La Jota Vineyard Co.-16th Anniversary Release-Cabernet Sauvignon-Howell Mountain-Napa Valley-California-1997-13.9% Alcohol-$63.55- A nose of some dark fruit, green peppers and spices, dark garnet in color. A medium to full bodied Cab with many distinct characteristics of a aged wine, black cherry, currants, bell peppers, and spices of smooth finish. The cork was in excellent shape, it’s great when a great wine holds up over 17 years, but best to drink now, New Year’s Eve wine.          RP-93          WS-91          CR-94          Good with meats, chicken, pasta.          Two Corks Bonus.

Bella Vineyards & Wine Caves-Zinfandel-Dry Creek Valley-California-2012-14.8% Alcohol-$22.49-A nose of dark fruits and spices, dark garnet in color.  A medium to full bodied Zin, with blackberry, black cherry, vanilla, pepper and spice on finish, a good value.          NR         CR-89          Good with meats, chicken, pasta.