It's the end of the year, and I have been splurging a bit...
1990 Louis Roederer Champagne Cristal Brut - France, Champagne (12/30/2005)
Pale gold color; big nose of yeasty ripe fruit. Great attack of refreshing acidity with a mousse of a billion bubbles. Long mid palate, turning sweet on the long finish. A great bottle of wine. The best champagne I have ever tasted. (97 pts.)
2001 Silver Oak Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley - USA, California, Sonoma County, Alexander Valley (12/29/2005)
Dark, clear ruby-purple color. Moderate nose of dark fruits with a bit of cabernet earthiness. On the palate, low acid, medium-full body, dark chocolate and medium tannins providing the backbone. Some alcohol noticable on the finish. Quite well made; would benefit from a year or two of bottle age. (90 pts.)
1863 Barbeito Madeira Boal - Portugal, Madeira (12/28/2005)
Tremendous nose of caramel, toffee and brown sugar that enveloped the table and was obvious two feet away. Clear brown color. Smooth palate, medium-full body with a marked tartness like a granny smith apple. Very smooth and a long finish. (92 pts.)
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