A chilly, rainy day called for meatloaf, mashed potatoes and this beauty of an aged CdP. This 2009 Vieux Lazaret has black cherries turning gently leathery, a touch of wood spice, and dark chocolate notes. Full but silky, good length, a winter-weight wine that matched nicely with today’s early spring conditions.

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Another night, another aged McLaren Vale Shiraz. I recall this 2010 Warboys being quite tannic on release, but this was broad and supple, with lots of vanilla framing blueberry and boysenberry fruit. Plenty of runway left…

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Tonight’s Aussie cellar dweller: the 2012 Chertsey from @penleyestate is oaky, with mocha and cedar over herbal, leafy notes and hints of cherry tomato, cassis, and dark chocolate. Full-bodied and velvety, it seems to have plenty of life ahead of it. Liked it, didn’t love it. The blend is 48% Cabernet Sauvignon, 38% Merlot, and 14% Cabernet Franc.

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