1997 Heitz Cellar Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa), Trailside Vineyard

Steel yourself, random reader. This was one of the best, if not the best, California Cabernet I've ever had the pleasure of owning, opening, and drinking. The only bummer was finishing my last bottle from this 1997 vintage. For me it was the wine of the night on May 7, 2010, and it's on your far right in this picture. Right from the start, we knew we were in for a treat, as we enjoyed this at Jake and Telly's Taverna (Greek Restaurant) in Old Colorado City. The cork was pristine, the color gorgeous - dark ruby red, betraying almost none of this 13 years of age.

The aroma? Think of blackberry cobbler tempered with some summer herbs, a sliver of vanilla, and the backdrop of cedar lilting on the wind. This wine screams of California, and then some. On the palate, more delicious abuse continues: The density and stuffing of this wine were spot on, no heat of alcohol, perfect balance, great acidity. Blackcurrant velvet fist is the best descriptor I could come up with, but a it's a friendly velvet. Mated to a portion of sliced lamb meat from our mixed mezze platter, and we were all in heaven. Finished clean, long, and endured for well over a minute in the mouth. Like watching an amazing lover walk slowly out the door....wait, OK, a bit much. I'll stop now.
97/100 -- If I get a better Cab in my life, it will have all been worth it.
Bottom line: If you ever see a 97 Heitz Trailside Cab, and you don't buy it, you're an idiot.

2003 Alvaro Palacios Finca Dofi (Priorat)

Finca Dofí is a blend of Garnacha, Cabernet, Merlot, Syrah and Cariñena. We had this wine on May 9, 2010 (Mother's Day, yes) at the Blue Star on half-price bottle night. What a great wine; all the dense, rocky austerity one would hope for in a great Priorat, and from a notoriously hot year. While the wood was present (knock-knock), it wasn't overwhelming and helped balance some of the torrid black fruit, grilled herbs, and hot slate notes to this wine. There's a sanguine (bloody) iron streak in this wine that emerges late, so it could probably stand to be decanted, frankly.

Our match? A simple hamburger with fries; great juice, and a good pairing.

90/100 for my nose and palate.
Bottom line: Well worth the $60-70 you'll pay retail for this wine. We paid $65! Track it down if you like a dense but classic-style Priorat. Palacios knows what he's doing and it shows, even in this difficult (hot) vintage.