2008 Masi Amarone Costasera, 2016 Ste. Michelle Red Mountain

[JimHow]

We were joined at dinner last night by local counsel Frank Spaulding so I decided to order two bottles from the Lavelle's Bistro wine list.

2008 Masi Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Riserva Costasera: Big, burly, pretty classic Amarone traits. A great match with my rack of lamb. Opened up significantly with air. 91 points.

2016 Ste. Michelle Cabernet Sauvignon Red Mountain: Dense, stoic, very cabernet. Brooding. Deeply purple colored. I liked it because of rugged, unforgiving character. Not for everyone. 90 points.

[marcs]

Alaska is testing the extent to which Jim is a Bordeaux wine enthusiast vs just a wine wine enthusiast

[JimHow]

It’s been fun exploring some other regions. As noted previously, they have no Bordeaux other than a 1999 d’Yquem, which I’m going to try to buy off of them before we leave.

[Nicklasss]

When you're a Bordeaux wines lover, your attention stays on Bordeaux, and Bordeaux producers are surely doing everything it takes to keep your attention on their precious products.

But there are satisfying and great wines produced in almost every wine producing regions today.

Up to now Jim, your sample in Alaska seems very good.

[Claret]

I have been enjoying wines from Terra Blanca on Red Mountain.