We are determined to plow though a number of bottles of wines in our
cellar that need attention. Most of them were gifts or leftovers from
cases from winery visits. Last night with grilled bone-in filet we
opened a 1992 Groth Merlot and a 1994 Markham cabernet. The Groth had
a price sticker of $20.99 which would have been a lot for a merlot in
1994.

1992 Groth Merlot-a bit brickish in the glass showing a dark plum
colored wine. Nose was a tad herbal and ripe plums, and black coffee
notes dominated. Very pale on the palate with virtually no tannins
present. Fruit was a bit in the back and a pronounced herbal, sage
bitterness was underneath the palate. Not history but not my cup of
tea. "C"

1994 Markham Cabernet-Still inky black in the glass. Nose of Napa
dust, cassis and black pepper. Big blackberry fruit on the palate, a
modicum of grippy tannins and a long smooth finish of cassis and
mint. Some mature notes of cedar and tobacco. Not an expensive
bottle but showing well right now. "B+"