Oh what a night........

Took one of my best friends out for her 40th birthday dinner at Earl's on Friday night. Between three of us we took down three terrific bottles of wine.

I was there first and started without them, with a bottle of Cedarcreek 2009 Platinum Reserve Merlot. I've had this one many times before, and have reviewed it in the past. It's brilliant. 90.

Next up we moved down the coast a little bit, and up in the price category, to this:

2010 Joseph Phelps Cabernet Sauvignon

Notes of plums, mocha and a hint of spice on the nose. The palate might notice black cherry, spice, vanilla and a touch of chocolate. Impeccably balanced and features a very long, lingering finish. Tannins are light and soft, this is drinking beautifully now, and would reward patient cellaring of another 5-10 years. 93.











For our third bottle of the evening (it was a long evening!!!), we came back to BC for this notable Bordeaux blend:

2008 Osoyoos Larose Le Grand Vin

Very dark ruby in colour with very strong notes of raspberry, chocolate and vanilla. Blackberry, raspberry and chocolate on the palate. Very full-bodied and delicious, with tannins that are softening nicely. Drinking well now but another 5-8 years of careful cellaring would be much rewarded. 89.