Forty Bottles of Ringboree

This was a gift from a friend and co-worker, perhaps 6 or 7 years ago. We had been saving it specifically for our 2010 New Years dinner, and that happy event was postponed a few weeks due to scheduling conflicts, but finally came around.

This wine was truly wonderful. A nose almost like bourbon in its intensity. Peat and fresh cut pine, mint and vanilla. A real treat just to sniff. Big jammy flavors, but very soft, with the enormous tannins from several years back all melted away. Lovely long silky finish. Deep red and gold color.

I'm awfully glad we saved it, and glad we picked this moment to open it. It was just about perfect, and, sharing it with dear friends made it even better. A truly remarkable wine, and a huge encouragement to hold on to some of my more precious bottles a few years longer. This earns the very rare 40 bottles of ring-bo-ree, and wish that you, too, may go to sea in a sieve, to the hills of the Chankly Bore.

Sterling 2005 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Score: 29 Bottles of Ringboree.

Lovely earthy aromas. This is a blend of unspecified Bordeaux-style varietals, presumably Merlot and a touch of Syrah, but mostly Cab. When first opened, a nose-full of raspberries and boysenberries. Opens up to earthy, dusty tastes and aromas, with wonderful pepper that enhanced the home-made-from-scratch chicken tandoori we had it with.

Yes, we usually have a riesling or gewurztraminer with indian food, to offset the spice. This, on the other hand, enhanced the spice, and brought out the ginger and cardamom. Mmmmm.

Mild tannins, medium finish. Had it out on the deck with a mild wind blowing, so it was a little hard to get the other aromas, but there was something sharp and undefinable in the nose that was positively lovely.

Highly recommended, although perhaps a trifle expensive for the quality. Roughly $20 at the neighborhood Kroger wine store.