With Jean back in town (and before I depart tomorrow) we took the
opportunity to have a few dinners at home and open some good bottles.
Last night was roast chicken and Jean asked for a good Bordeaux. I came
back with:

2000 Ch. Beychevelle St. Julien
nose: initially, very cedary, becoming more plummy with a strong roasted
herbs note
palate: initially tight, becoming richer with a good acidic backbone

I had asked Jean if she minded a young wine, and when she replied no I
decided to broach our supply of this wine. I gave it a splash decant
but it still required about an hour of exposure to show well. It
promises a very nice future, though.

Tonight, Jean wanted lamb (and Andrew vociferously assented) so I
broiled some lamb chops and opened:

1999 Duckhorn Paraduxx (Zin/CS/Merlot blend)
nose: tarry, plummy fruit, a bit of mint
palate: full body, a hint of butterscotch

A lot of Zin character to this blend, which put me in mind of Ridge's
field blend wines (Geyserville, Lytton Springs). A very nice match with
the lamb and a very satisfying wine.

Mark Lipton
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