Served at home after a sumptious feast with company, Kistler Sonoma Coast chard and '97 Cepparello, this wine had me worried for days about its integrity. Served with a medley of cheeses, it was slowly decanted and the drinking began within 10 minutes.

A lovely deep red with a very agreeable fruitful nose, I was delighted with that first taste.It was like a sliding board of fruit, deeper fruit, and yet deeper darker fruit, softly tannic, but enough to give this treat the dignity that its age deserved. A long lingering finish, this was the hit of the night in spite of the quality of the wines that preceded it. My only regret is that now it is gone.

Dick

As much as I love vintage port, and appreciate this TN, I'm keen to see TNs for the Cepparello, since I have one precious bottle of it, which I'm holding until it's at its absolute best. Would that be now, or should I wait a few years longer?

Bman.....the Cepparello was wonderful. I did decant and it was served an hour and 20 minutes later with a beef and mushrooms course. This wine is in total harmony with itself. The fruits are lush and the tannins are relatively soft. A good balance is already there. It is quite drinkable now, but I have 3 more that I will not touch for several more years. I think this one will get even better.

Dick

A bunch of '66 Sandeman hit the shelves here early '97. The first one that I saw, before all of the others arrived, was an extraordinary $43, , & I bought it. The salesgal said she had bought it on a whim on an internet auction, which I had to question, since I don't think that is legal (for retailers to resell.) The rest was $90-95.
I opened one & was not really impressed; but a couple months later a friend opened another & it was a pretty, elegant wine, much like the very good '66 Croft.
I know one retailer who returned his whole order to the distributor because all of the labels were stained & some corks were protruding a bit, & another who sent one bottle back.
I have a couple left, & they look fine.