Review #39: post-Thanksgiving roundup

Kanonkop Estate Pinotage 2000
really outstanding -- what 10 or so years ago was a simple, fruit-forward wine became something dark, deep, and profound: black fruit, tar, exotic spices, cured meat. Pinotage has a bad reputation, but this one became something amazing. maybe only a little thin on the palate.

score: 94


Cristom Willamette Valley Pinot Noir Marjorie Vineyard 1996
this one had plenty of life left in it -- I think the single-vineyards from Cristom (Marjorie and Louise) are as long-lived as anything from Oregon. Rich, plummy, and earthy, and all the tannins had gone to a velvety place.

score: 94


also:

Dios Baco "Baco de Elite" Amontillado
not super special, but really a nice wine for the price

Dolcetto d'Asti
is a nice wine with food -- the fruit-tart flavor holds up well