96 vs. 97 gallo sonoma county

[newsguy]

found a couple more of the 95 gallo of sonoma cabs (can you call them orphans if u find two bottles instead of one?), and popped one last nice to go with a spicy marinated pork tenderloin off the grill. (and believe me, this marinade is big enough that a cab is a good match). anyhow, i was just BLOWN AWAY at how good this wine has become. huge nose and tastes of a classic CA. cab: plums, berries, cassis and spicy oak. there's more to this wine than some $100 bottles i've tasted, and this one set me back $9.99. and i'd say there still is enough tannin there to go a couple more years.

i'm certainly learning my lesson: a good wine from a great vintage, given time in proper storage, becomes absolutely fantastic. (actually, i learned this lesson last year, and the result is now a rented a wine locker stuffed with six cases worth and another three cases taking up temporary residence in mi casa.)