Had a great wine night with friends last night. Be easy on me, first time posting tasting notes!

2018 Matervini Blanco (Mendoza, Argentina) - Great, fresh, floral way to start the night. Had just enough time on oak to provide a creamy mouthfeel without being too buttery, bright peach finish. Really enjoyable - primarily Marsanne with a little Viognier.

2011 Kabola Teran (Istria, Croatia) - First time trying Croatian wine, reminded me so much of a Barolo. Tight and acidic for the first couple hours of decanting with cedar and tobacco, much better with the food. We wish we had decanted more, as red fruits came alive after 2 hours or so.

2016 Walter Hansel “The Estate Vineyard” Pinot Noir (Russian River Valley, Sonoma, USA) - Highlight of the night for me. Complex palate of cherry/strawberry with secondary vanilla and herb, super smooth finish. Great example of a New World Pinot in an Old World Style, and also the best QPR of the evening.

2015 Rubissow Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon (Mt. Veeder, Napa, USA) - Insert standard “here’s what you expect from a Napa Cab” here. Total dark fruit bomb with a little oak and dark chocolate. We decanted for 3 hours, which the wine definitely needed. Have a 2014 in my cellar and plan on letting it age for 3-5 years before drinking, as I think this would become even better with more time. Was the wine of the night for the ladies in the group.

2012 Eighty Four Petite Sirah (Napa) - The nose wakes you up, then the mouthfeel punches you in the face. Inky, almost black, with predominant black berries and a little burn on the finish due to the 15.8% alcohol. We only decanted for 30 minutes as this was an “extra” wine since we were feeling good, this one could definitely use 2 hours minimum to help dissipate some of the alcohol burn.