Prior to contracting the local 'ick' going around Atlanta, I was able to try a few wines at a friends' home:

'01 Viramonde Gran Reserve Chard - Nice golden hue, excellent clarity. Nose of green apple, straw, and fig. Fruit became more pronounced as it warmed abit, nice acidity and balance. 87 pts, overall nice chard from Chile.

'93 Ch. Montelena 'The Montelena Estate' Napa Valley - Oh boy! Rich, plummy, black fruit-laden cab w/a huge finish. I believe we committed infanticide here, but it's really drinking nicely now. Lot's of youth in this bottle, it should hold another 5-7 yrs. and probably improve some. 93 pts.

'97 Ch. Montelena Calistoga Cuvee - Not the blockbuster its bigger, older brother was, but still very nice. I found dark fruits, coffee, and a tobaccoey-cedary spiciness that complimented a lush fruit finish. I'd go 88-90 pts. and say its probably at peak.

Last night...

'01 Leeuwin "Siblings" Margaret River SB - interestingly enough contains 40% Semillon. This blend has a great nose of fig, melon, and spice. Very light golden color, full bodied, and rich. Again, 88-90 pts. $26 at the restaurant, definitely an "A" QPR at the restaurant price.

...hey, chief - you gonna finish that bottle?

It seems the '93 Ch Montelena is often forgotten about/ overshadowed by the some of the stellar vintages of the mid 90's, I am holding 2 93's and will probably give them 2 to 3 more years.
Thanks Kybo.

*********************************
"my heart is drenched in wine"

Kybo,

What is the name of the restaurant where you had the Leeuwin SB? That is definetely an excellent price. Since you like this SB with semillon added, if you have not tried it, you should have the Chalk Hill SB.

IW

Life without wine?...... Yeah Right.<br /><br />I believe we have 2 lives; the life we learn with and the life we live with after that.

IW;
It was our old standby, JRB's. I too, though the $26 was an excellent price for a really nice glass of wine.

See you soon!

...hey, chief - you gonna finish that bottle?