FLIGHT 1

2008 sanglier Viognier Kick Ranch – USA, California, Sonoma County Citrus and stone on the nose, with roasted nuts and peaches, and some floral notes at the end. Rich and stony on the palate, with citrus and tropical fruit, and a good nutty finish. (90 Points)

2007 Counterpoint (Laurel Glen) Cabernet Sauvignon Sonoma Mountain 90 Point – USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Mountain Olives and herbs on the nose, with a little red fruit, and a touch of spice at the end. Lots of olives and roasted herbs on the palate, with hints of red fruit on the finish. (90 Points)

2009 Tenuta dell’Ornellaia Le Volte Toscana IGT – Italy, Tuscany, Toscana IGT Rich red fruit on the nose, with earthy undertones framed by baking spice. There’s a little chocolate at the end. Soft and juicy on the palate, with red fruit and earth, some spice on the mid-palate, and a slight mocha finish. (89 Points)

2006 Barnard Griffin Zinfandel Hill’s Gate – USA, Washington, Columbia Valley Raspberry and oak on the nose, with a little oak at the end. Rich on the palate, with dark fruit and mocha, and a little oak at the end. (87 Points)

FLIGHT 2

2008 Woodward Canyon Cabernet Sauvignon Old Vines – USA, Washington, Columbia Valley Black raspberry and black currant on the nose, with some earth and spice aromas. Rich and juicy, with dark fruit and spice on the palate, and a good earthy finish. (92 Points)

2005 Castelgiocondo (Marchesi de’ Frescobaldi) Brunello di Montalcino – Italy, Tuscany, Montalcino, Brunello di Montalcino Blueberry and vanilla on the nose, with some stewed plums and cherry. Rich and juicy on the palate, with vanilla and plum pudding. (89 Points)

2006 Bridesmaid Wines Red Wine – USA, California, Napa Valley Cherry and cranberry on the nose, with some spice towards the end. Rich and slightly tannic on palate, with red fruit and spice. (89 Points)

FLIGHT 1

2008 Schramsberg Vineyards Blanc de Blancs – USA, California Apple and tropical fruit on the nose, with roasted nuts and beeswax in the middle, and some baked bread at the end. Tart on the palate, with lots of lime and green apples. It has some honey roasted nuts on the mid-palate, and finishes with beeswax. (90 Points)

NV Nicolas Maillart Champagne Brut Rosé Grand Cru – France, Champagne, Bouzy, Champagne Strawberry and yeast on the nose, with floral notes and perfume underneath. Red fruit and bread on the palate, with flowers and strawberry on the finish. (90 Points)

NV Jean Pernet Champagne – France, Champagne Yeast and apples on the nose, with citrus and nuts underneath. Rich and creamy on the palate, with apple and baked bread, lemon, and some nuttiness on the finish. (89 Points)

NV Jean Pernet Champagne “Cuvée Prestige” Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru – France, Champagne Apple and yeast on the nose, with citrus and floral notes at the end. Fruity and bready on the palate, with a good floral finish. (89 Points)

NV Bruno Paillard Champagne Brut Premiere Cuvée – France, Champagne, Montagne de Reims, Champagne Yeast and apple on the nose, with some roasted almonds and ripe pineapples at the end. Good acidity on the palate, with apple pie and nuts, and a good tropical fruit finish. (88 Points)

FLIGHT 2

1999 Vilmart & Cie Champagne Cuvée Creation – France, Champagne Bread dough and apple on the nose, with floral notes and citrus in the middle, and some spice at the end. Great acidity on the palate, with nice yeast notes and apple pie flavors. There’s some citrus on the mid-palate, and some spice on the finish. (93 Points)

2002 Perrier-Jouët Champagne Belle Epoque – France, Champagne Creamy tropical fruit and smoke on the nose, plus some biscuit and apple aromas. Rich and creamy on the palate, with lots of smoke and tropical fruit. It finishes with some sourdough starter flavors. (92 Points)

FLIGHT 1

2008 Ancien Pinot Noir Carneros – USA, California, Napa Valley, Carneros Cherry and chocolate on the nose, with plum, strawberry and floral notes at the end. Rich and juicy on the palate, with sour cherry and plum, and a nice cocoa finish. (91 Points)

NV Henriot Champagne Brut Rosé – France, Champagne Yeast and strawberry on the nose, with some smokiness and cherry at the end. Strawberry and cherry on the palate, with bread and spice on the mid-palate. It finishes with some spice. (90 Points)

2008 Enkidu Sangiovese Rosso Fazekas – USA, California, North Coast, Napa County Dried red fruit and roasted nuts on the nose, with some vanilla and whipped cream at the end. Rich with raspberry liqueur on the palate, with sour cherry and vanilla in the middle, and a nice nutty finish. (90 Points)

2006 Saint-Laurent Syrah – USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Wahluke Slope BBQ’d meat and blueberry on the nose, with cherry and floral notes, and some spice at the end. Gamey and rich on the palate, with floral notes and spice, and a nice blueberry finish. (90 Points)

2009 Januik Chardonnay Cold Creek Vineyard – USA, Washington, Columbia Valley Buttered popcorn and apple pie on the nose, with spice and citrus on the back end. Less oaky on the palate and much fruitier, with lots of spice on the finish. (88 Points)

**2007 Blue Rock Cabernet Sauvignon – USA, California, Sonoma County, Alexander Valley88 Cassis and sweet spice on the nose, with some oak and tobacco at the end. Rich and juicy on the palate, with red fruit, spice, and some leather on the finish. (87 Points)

FLIGHT 2

NV Laurent-Perrier Champagne Cuvée Rosé Brut – France, Champagne Raspberry and strawberry on the nose, with some floral notes and bread dough right after. Strawberry and currants on the palate, with yeast and rose petals on the mid-palate, and a smoky finish. (91 Points)

2007 Paul Hobbs Chardonnay Ulises Valdez Vineyard – USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley Tropical fruit and nuts on the nose, with some smoke underneath, and some crushed rock at the end. The palate has good acidity and nice smokiness. There’s a little oak on the mid-palate, and lots of tropical fruit on the finish. (90 Points)

2008 Grassi Family Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon – USA, California, Napa Valley Wood and earth on the nose, with some dried berries and floral notes. Rich and tannic on the palate, with blueberry and berry, and some oak on the finish. (89 Points)

FLIGHT 1

NV Jose Dhondt Champagne Blanc de Blancs Brut – France, Champagne, Oger, Champagne Lemon zest and nuts on the nose, with some floral notes, yeast, and apples. Lemon and roasted almonds on the palate, with bread and pear underneath, and a good floral finish. (92 Points)

2009 Chiarello Family Vineyards Zinfandel Giana – USA, California, Napa Valley, St. Helena Floral, peppery, and smoky on the nose, with bramble and black currant underneath. Rich on the palate, with raspberry and black currant, some earth and pepper, and a great smoky finish. (92 Points)

2008 Gérard Bertrand Minervois Syrah-Carignan – France, Languedoc Roussillon, Languedoc, Minervois Smoky and rich on the nose, with dark black fruit and roasted meat, and some stone at the end. Rich with dark fruit and smoke on the palate, and a nice meaty mid-palate. It finishes with some minerals notes. (90 Points)

NV Paul Berthelot Champagne Brut Reserve 1er Cru – France, Champagne Fresh dough and apple on the nose, with citrus and floral notes right behind, and nuts at the end. Fresh baked bread and roasted nuts on the palate, with some floral notes, and a good citrus finish. (89 Points)

2009 Shooting Star (Jed Steele) Blaufränkisch – USA, Oregon/Washington, Columbia Valley Cherry and raspberry on the nose, with dark chocolate and earth, and some spice at the end. Cherry and earth on the palate, with some chocolate and pepper, and a good raspberry finish. (87 Points)

FLIGHT 2

2007 Domaine Leroy Puligny-Montrachet – France, Burgundy, Côte de Beaune, Puligny-Montrachet Burnt butter and stone on the nose, with lemon and tropical fruit in the middle and some apple at the end. Lemon zest and crushed rocks on the palate, with tropical fruit on the mid-palate, and a little butterscotch on the finish. (93 Points)

2007 Terra Valentine Cabernet Sauvignon Yverdon – USA, California, Napa Valley, Spring Mountain District Wood and spice on the nose, with black currant and cherry underneath, and some licorice at the end. Rich on the palate, with dark fruit and spice, some wood on the mid-palate, and a big spicy finish. (92 Points)

FLIGHT 1

2007 Peju Province Winery Merlot – USA, California, Napa Valley Tobacco and blackberry on the nose, with cherry and dark chocolate underneath, and some mint at the end. Red and black fruit on the palate, with chocolate and leather on the mid-palate, and some mint on the finish. (90 Points)

2007 Paraduxx (Duckhorn Vineyards) – USA, California, Napa Valley Dark, black fruit on the nose, with baking spice and vanilla in the middle, and some pepper at the end. Lots of spice and oak on the palate, with black fruit underneath, and a very peppery finish. (89 Points)

2010 Duckhorn Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc – USA, California, Napa Valley Apricot and lemon on the nose, with watermelon and peach right after. The palate has grapefruit and citrus, a little melon, and a good peach finish. (88 Points)

2010 Conundrum Wines White Table Wine – USA, California Beeswax and tropical fruit on the nose, with some pear and apple in the middle, and some floral notes at the end. Honey and pear on the palate, with spicy floral notes on the mid-palate, and a little tropical fruit on the finish. (88 Points)

2010 Sonoma-Cutrer Chardonnay Russian River Ranches – USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley Honey and roasted nuts on the nose, with lemon pie and spice at the end. The palate had good acidity and some nice lemon notes. It was a bit oaky, but it finishes with some good nuttiness. (87 Points)

FLIGHT 2

2008 Continuum Proprietary Red – USA, California, Napa Valley, Oakville Cherry, plum, and coffee on the nose, with hints of leather, pencil lead, and bittersweet chocolate. Soft and round on the palate, with chocolate and cherry, plum and leather, and a nice graphite finish. (92 Points)

2008 Faust Cabernet Sauvignon – USA, California, Napa Valley Cherry and flowers on the nose, with pumpkin spice and leather underneath. Rich and dark on the palate, with spice and leather. It’s a bit tannic for me, but not too bad. (90 Points)

FLIGHT 1

2003 Spencer Roloson Tempranillo Madder Lake – USA, California, North Coast, Clear Lake Smoky on the nose, with some cherry and plum, and a little spice at the end. Rich and juicy on the palate, with lots of tannins. The cherry and smoke come together nicely, and it finishes with some spice. (91 Points)

2004 Spencer Roloson Syrah Madder Lake – USA, California, North Coast, Clear Lake Leather and smoke on the nose, with dark black fruit and purple flowers. Blackberry and black currant on the palate, with smoke and leather on the mid-palate, and a floral finish. (91 Points)

2008 Felton Road Pinot Noir Block 3 – New Zealand, South Island, Otago, Central Otago Raspberry and pumpkin spice on the nose, with milk chocolate underneath, and some oak at the end. Soft and juicy on the palate, with raspberry and spice, some oak and bitter chocolate, and good acidic finish. (90 Points)

2006 Clos Floridene – France, Bordeaux, Graves Manure and hay on the nose, with cherry, saddle leather, and floral notes. Smooth on the palate, with lots of earth flavors supported by cherry and rose petals. (89 Points)

2008 Anglim Roussanne – USA, California, Central Coast, Paso Robles Pear and tropical fruit, with some minerals and floral notes. Viscous on the palate, with good acidity and stone flavors. The stone fruits come on in the mid-palate, and it finishes with dried flowers. (89 Points)

FLIGHT 2

2006 Bodegas Mauro Vino de la Tierra de Castilla y León Terreus Pago de Cueva Baja – Spain, Castilla y León, Vino de la Tierra de Castilla y León A heavy dose of cinnamon and jalapeño peppers upfront, with chipotle chocolate and floral notes right behind, and black fruit at the end. Extremely plush on the palate, with black fruit, followed by peppery spices and bitter chocolate. (96 Points)

2009 L’Aventure Cabernet Sauvignon Estate – USA, California, Central Coast, Paso Robles Rich on the nose, with lots of black fruit and smoked meat. There’s some roasted herbs behind that and some red fruit at the end. Soft and juicy on the palate, with blackberry and herbs, raspberry and meat, and a spicy finish. (92 Points)

FLIGHT 1

2004 Spencer Roloson Syrah La Herradura – USA, California, Napa Valley Grilled meat and BBQ on the nose, with black fruit underneath. Much the same on the palate, but with a nice bit of fatiness to it. (91 Points)

2007 Coho Cabernet-Merlot Michael Black Vineyard – USA, California, Napa Valley Dark black fruit and dark chocolate on the nose, with some espresso and spice, and a little dusty earth at the end. Cherry and coffee on the palate, with roasted spices and earth on the finish. (90 Points)

2008 Montes Carménère Alpha – Chile, Central Valley, Rapel Valley, Colchagua Valley Bouquet garni and cigar on the nose, with background notes of blueberry and crushed rock. It ended with some wet dirt. Blueberry and minerals on the palate, with spice and earth on the mid-palate, and good tobacco finish. (90 Points)

2010 Mollydooker Two Left Feet – Australia, South Australia, Fleurieu, McLaren Vale Lots of fruit on the nose – plum, black currant, raspberry, and cherry, with a bit of vanilla after. Much more complex on the palate. Still has lots of fruit, but also has some hot spices and oak framing it. (89 Points)

2006 Two Hands Shiraz Max’s Garden – Australia, Victoria, Central Victoria, Heathcote Floral and dark on the nose, with blackberry and black currant. It ends with some plum. Fruity and tart on the palate, with vanilla and spice. (86 Points)

FLIGHT 2

1982 Bodegas Toro Albala Montilla-Moriles Don PX Gran Reserva – Spain, Andalucía, Montilla-Moriles Creamy chocolate and licorice on the nose, with some cigar leaves and spice underneath. There’s also some espresso and raisin at the end. Cocoa and coffee on the palate, with raisin and licorice on the mid-palate, and a great tobacco finish. (95 Points)

2008 Figgins Estate Red Wine – USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Walla Walla Valley Vanilla and spice on the nose, with cherry and black currant after, and some spice and orange juice at the end. Cherry and spice on the palate, with black fruit and spice on the mid-palate, and a orange finish. (94 Points)

FLIGHT 1

2001 Bodegas Ramon Bilbao Rioja Rioja Gran Reserva – Spain, La Rioja, Rioja Tobacco and saw dust on the nose, with cherry and dirt in the middle, and some spice at the end. The palate was smooth, with bright cherry flavors mixed with dusty spices. It finishes with some cigar leaves. (89 Points)

2007 Perrin & Fils Gigondas La Gille – France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Gigondas Rich black fruit on the nose, with some stone and floral notes. Rich and creamy on the palate, with black fruit and minerals. (88 Points)

2009 Bodegas Ribera del Jiloca Xiloca Vinae Mureri – Spain, Aragón, Ribera del Jiloca Incense and cherry on the nose, with some crushed rock and dirt underneath. Rich and juicy on the palate, with lots of cherry and minerals, and a good earthy finish. (88 Points)

2003 Bodegas LAN Rioja Gran Reserva – Spain, La Rioja, Rioja Dried red fruit and saw dust on the nose, with hints of spice and floral notes. Firm tannins on the palate, with lots of juicy red fruit and spice. It adds some oak in the middle, and has a good floral finish. (88 Points)

2008 Bodegas y Viñedos Maurodos Toro Prima – Spain, Castilla y León, Toro Spice and black currant on the nose, with wood shavings and floral notes at the end. Blackberry and minerals on the nose, with spice and wood on the mid-palate. It finishes with some floral notes. (87 Points)

FLIGHT 2

2008 Bodegas Alto Moncayo Campo de Borja – Spain, Aragón, Campo de Borja Blackberry and milk chocolate on the nose, with some some liqueur and spice in the middle, and some cherry at the end. Blackberry and spice on the palate, with cherry liqueur and spice on the finish. (92 Points)

2005 Bodegas Ramon Bilbao Rioja Mirto – Spain, La Rioja, Rioja Smoked wood and leather on the nose, with some spice and black currant in the middle, and some jam at the end. Rich and juicy on the palate, with burnt wood and leather, some spice and black currant, and a good earthy finish. (90 Points)

FLIGHT 1

2007 Hartford Court Pinot Noir Fog Dance – USA, California, Sonoma County, Green Valley Bright cherries on the nose, with some dirt and twigs underneath. There’s also some minerals and black currant at the end. Smooth and juicy on the palate, with great acidity. It starts with cherry and currants, adds some earth on the mid-palate, and finishes with some floral notes. (91 Points)

2007 Hartford Court Pinot Noir Far Coast Vineyard – USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Coast Cherry and cake spice on the nose, with some spice and blackberry at the end. Soft and juicy on the palate, with lots of cherry fruit and good acidity. There’s some spice and pomegranate on the mid-palate, and some spice on the finish. (90 Points)

2007 Fattoria Viticcio Monile Toscana IGT – Italy, Tuscany, Toscana IGT Dried fruit and spice on the nose, with floral notes and stone. Soft and rich on the palate, with dried fruit and rocks, and a good floral finish. (90 Points)

2007 Bodegas Ribera del Duero Urban Ribera – Spain, Castilla y León, Ribera del Duero Earth and cherries on the nose, with floral notes and incense, and some burnt wood at the end. Sweet and juicy on the palate, with cherry and spice, some rose petals, and a good toast finish. (90 Points)

2009 Seghesio Family Vineyards Zinfandel Home Ranch – USA, California, Sonoma County, Alexander Valley Boysenberry and dirt on the nose, with black licorice and plum at the end. Rich and dark on the palate, with boysenberry and plum, and some licorice and earth on the finish. (89 Points)

FLIGHT 2

2007 Altamura Cabernet Sauvignon – USA, California, Napa Valley Coffee bean and pencil lead on the nose, with earth and cherry in the middle, and dark fruit at the end. Rich and dark on the palate, with earth and graphite, and a great dark fruit finish. (92 Points)

2004 Bodegas Muga Rioja Gran Reserva Prado Enea – Spain, La Rioja, Rioja Tobacco and orange on the nose, with cherry and floral notes at the end. Rich and spicy on the nose, with lots of acidity. Cherry comes on in the middle, and it finishes with orange peel. (92 Points)

FLIGHT 1

NV Vranken Champagne Demoiselle Rosé Grand Cuvée Brut – France, Champagne Yeast and apple on the nose, with strawberry and stone, and some flowers at the end. Strawberry and minerals on the palate, with bread and minerals in the middle, and a nice floral finish. (90 Points)

NV Delamotte Champagne Brut – France, Champagne, Côte des Blancs, Champagne Citrus and yeast on the nose, with lemon zest and floral notes, and apple at the end. Lemon and apple on the palate, with a yeast back note, and a a good floral finish. (89 Points)

NV Gosset Champagne Brut Excellence – France, Champagne Lots of fruit and yeast on the nose, with hints of stone and flowers. Very fruity on the palate, with minerals and floral notes underneath, and a good pastry finish. (89 Points)

2007 Schramsberg Vineyards Blanc de Blancs – USA, California Lemon, flowers, and yeast on the nose, along with some apple and stone. Slightly sweet, with loads of fruit on the palate, plus some lemon in the middle, and bread finish. (88 Points)

2007 Argyle Brut – USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley Apple, peach, pear, and minerals on the nose, with some rose petals at the end. Bready and floral on the palate, with apple and peach, and a stone and pear finish. (87 Points)

FLIGHT 2

2003 Schramsberg Vineyards J Schram – USA, California, Napa Valley Roasted almonds and apple on the nose, with cooked pears and spice in the middle, and some flowers at the end. Rich and toasty on the palate, with good apple and spice on the mid-palate, and a nice floral finish. (93 Points)

2004 Louis Roederer Champagne Blanc de Blancs – France, Champagne Pastry and pear on the nose, along with ginger and minerals, and a good floral finish. Lots of yeast and ginger on the palate, with nice pear and stone flavors in the middle, and some flowers on the finish. (92 Points)