2002 Syncline Winery Milbrandt Vineyard Syrah, Columbia Valley $14

Dark purple in color, nose of black fruit jams and spices, a little sweet with a hint of pepper. Nice long finish of spices and herbs. Should age well for 10 years. Tasted Feb. 2004.

2002 Domaine Francois Mikulski, Meursault-Charmes, Côte de Beaune $50

This was the first time I was trying this producer and I can say that I really was not that impressed. I had heard a few good things so I thought, what the hell. Yah well it was decent but not for the price. A bit darker than hay in color with a light nutty nose and some honey/lemon on the palate. Good acidity and balance but nothing to really scream about. Wine should peak in a few years. I'll try it again in a few and see if she hits me different.

2004 Domaine Jean Boillot et Fils, Puligny-Montrachet, Clos de la Mouches, Côte de Beaune $80

Does the word minerals mean anything to anyone? This wine has it. Could it be since the vines are stacked on top of argilo limestone? Nah that couldn't be it at all. A light hint of honey and wet rock on the nose but then on the palate you get smacked with this white peach and over-ripe tree fruit that should be found only in Georgia! The wine is balanced and ready to roll. Minerals come through all the way to the end leaving a nice light peach/honey residual left for the finish. What the hell was I just tasting? Amazing.

2004 Vincent Girardin Corton-Charlemagne, Côte de Beaune $105

This bottle was great. Light as hay in color with a nice rich malolactic nose and a slight bread dough hint to follow. Very soft on the front palate with just a hint of spice on the tip of the tongue. Great notes of light white pepper and hints of very light vanilla. I think it was aged for about 14 months as it is a bit chewy on the end. Imagine this wine with a nice baked chicken and some fried potatoes! In about 7 years this wine will really show you what it's made of.