2004 Andrew Will Sorella

The Wine Advocate nails this one: Also aging gracefully and just at the early stages of maturity, the 2004 Sorella possesses a lifted, elegant and perfumed array of violets, wild herbs, bay leaf and spice box that’s supported by a rich core of fruit. Medium to full-bodied, balanced and fresh, it opens nicely in the glass. It should hit full maturity in another 3-5 years and evolve gracefully after that. Drink now[2009]-2024. 93 points.

I found it remarkably young for an '04 and it definitely needed the half hour in glass, or even hour, before it really opened up its charms. Reminiscent of a bordeaux at first, then more unique because of the spice that was more new world. I'm glad I've got a lot of Sorella aging in the cellar. Drank this with Max at Medium Rare, the one-dish steak restaurant in Cleveland Park, to celebrate his 29th birthday. Excellent steak that went well with this wine.

Robert Craig 2007 Affinity Cabernet

Robert Craig 2007 Affinity Cabernet

Classic california cabernet. Tannins smoothed out now but still pretty young looking. Nose got bigger and bigger as wine sat in glass over time. Amazing citrus tropical fruit sweet perfume along with spicy licorice. Blackberry, cedar, briar woodsy. The finish is medium as is the body. Thus there's a slight lack of depth and richness here as compared say with O'Shaughnessy.  But it's a hell of a fine wine. Drinking it while watching "The Fall" on Netflix--fairly upsetting stuff shall we say, made more palatable by enjoyment of the wine.