This post was supposed to be tasting notes for the 2001 Castano Solanera.

I find myself alone on Valentine's Day and, after a fairly bad day at work, I decided that today was the day to finally try the Solanera I've read so much about here. After all, it's rated highly by Parker. I might even drink the whole bottle -- why not? It's only $10, and I'm worth it.

The tricky part was, where to find the wine? Based upon what I've read here, I trekked out to Danville by 7:30 to the Wine Sellars (sic), only to find they were CLOSED -- even though their posted hours were 11am - 9pm. After a bad day at work, this did not cheer me up.

It turns out there is a BevMo! one block from the Wine Sellars, and they were honoring their advertised business hours, so I went inside. No Solanera there, but I decided to pick up a 1998 Santa Ema "Catalina" for $20...because I had already spent that much on gasoline. I don't know why I didn't just go home...I mean, I have 130 bottles of wine in my living room, I did not need to buy another one.

Anyway, Wine Spectator poo-poo'd this wine with a score of 83, saying "An ambitious attempt, but the sun-dried tomato and rhubarb notes typical of this rainy vintage creep in on the plummy fruit, and the finish turns a bit tough. Still good, but this vintage can't support a late release. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Drink now. 1,800 cases made. (JM)"

I have to disagree with the above assessment. This wine is wonderful. A nose full of berries (with just a hint of rhubarb) gives way to a very plush, velvety, almost syrupy texture on the tongue. Very dark fruit, supple tannins...a bit introspective, but it definitely improved my mood. It is pretty good by itself, but was completely excellent with a porterhouse steak. I'd score it an 89, as it is much better than some other wines that WS has scored in the high 80s.

If I'm in the mood, I'll try driving back to Danville tomorrow for the Solanera. But I will call first.