Looking forward to May.

Ok, May is going to be a really busy month -- but also very fun. On the wine note, if all goes well, I will have another tasting note up for a 92 Insignia (in addition to a restaurant review), a 95 Cheval Blanc, a 77 BV Reserve, and a 94 Vintage Port (a little young, but not from a great producer). May could not come sooner!

Clos du Bois Marlstone 2002

A Bordeaux-style blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec and Cabernet Franc. The deep purple color has started to turn ruby at the edges. When opening the bottle, I was struck by how powerful and fragrant the wine is -- and, unfortunately, I knew that I had opened the bottle too soon (impressive, since this wine is at least five years old by now). Currants, plums, cloves and vanillan on the nose. Very firm and sturdy tannins on the palate, which adds a touch of chocolate to additional flavors of dark berries. The finish is seductive without overpowering. In short, a great wine that probably still has a few years of improvement ahead of it. Finally, at $50 a bottle, it feels like a steal compared to other California or Bordeaux producers. I've never done this before, but I'm giving this punchy red five out of five stars.