1993 Clos Du Bois Marlstone Vineyard, Alexander Valley

Last week, I was had the opportunity to participate in a really great case sale where I purchased several wines at some very good prices. One on these wines was designated as a mystery case which turned out to be the 1993 Clos Du Bois Marlstone Vineyard Bordeaux blend. Since 2000, Marlstone is the name Clos Du Bois gives to it's proprietary red Bordeaux blend. Before that, it was a single vineyard designation. This version was about 57% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot and the rest divided between Malbec and Petit Verdot.

Drinking older vintages is always a crap shoot. Will the wine hold up, how much fruit is left? And the real kicker how will a California wine age, especially one from Alexander Valley as opposed the Napa Valley. So upon returning home from picking up my wine, I immediately popped the cork on a bottle.

I was one of the more interesting bottles that I've had in the past year. First, there is a eucalyptus/mint/cedar aroma on the nose. There is a some interesting fruit and a lot of leather, tar and tobacco. Very interesting.

On the pallet, this wine is rich and full bodied, even after 18 years. The fruit is elusive, but that is common in a lot of older wines. The cedar and mint really come to the forefront. There is a alluring touch of acid in the mid pallet and finish that keeps this wine refreshing and makes you want to drink more. The finish is long, and even though we drank this wine with some very humble meat loaf, it matched beautifully. I have some lamb and beef in the freezer and I can't wait to crack open a bottle with those proteins.

Aged wines are not for everyone. Originally rate 90+ points in the Wine Spectator, it has held up amazingly well and is a very intriguing wine. However, it will have to be drunk very quickly! I think we are up to the task.

Muscardini Cellars 2009 Monte Rosso Sangiovese

Originally planted by Louis M. Martini, the Monte Rosso Vineyard is on of California's iconic estates. Long known as an outstanding source for Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel, producers from Ridge to Rosenblum among many, have made great wines from this vineyard. However, until last weekend's Sonoma Valley Vintners Holiday Fair, I had no idea that there was Sangiovese in this vineyard.

They do and you need to seek this wine out. Smoky, dark fruit with traces of block pepper, what really struck me was the firm acidity that was more typical of a great Brunello rather than a Cal Italia knock off. Never having been a great fan of the California versions of  Italian varietals this one breaks the stereotype.

This is not a California knock off of Chianti Classico, but a great wine that has echos of a classic Brunello. Great stuff, and at $35 per bottle via the Muscardini web site, it is better than most Brunellos in that price range. It will go great with almost any Italian food, from assertive pasta to Italian style grilled meats. As a note, Muscardini also makes a Zinfandel from Monte Rosso as well.