CB and I had our Valentines' Day lunch yesterday and

[winoweenie]

Opened a couple of 99s. The first was the Beringer Private Reserve. Med brite ruby. Nose developed after 15 minutes showing some black fruits(plums), spices and an odd note of ripeness that verge on over or cooked. Not bad on the palate but the off note persisted in the finish. Wasn't brett or cork but could have been some heat as I dint' buy these suckers till 02. If scoring would have been mid-80a. The second made up for the slight misstep on the Big-B. Duckhorn Estate Napa. Nice deep ruby. Nose of plums, currents and red fruits. Massive wine that delivered as promised. Cassis, deep blue fruits, red cherries, and sweet spiciness all hit the palate. Hugwe entry, weighty center and a 4&1/2 lapper mimimum. In the low to mid 90s without breaking a sweat. Lovely wines, GORGEOUS company and to top it off....CB picked up the check!!!!!
Life is REALLY GOOD!. WW