TN: SOBER at my place- Piedmont, Alsace, CA, Burgundy, Champagne, Port

SOunds like a fun line-up thanks for the notes. I have a bottle of the '87 Phelps Eisele that I planning on opening for the New Year. I'll report on it.

Ah, 1959 Murrieta brings back fond memories of the great era of Spanish wines IMHO. I used to purchase many of them at attractive prices because Spanish = Dictator Franco in many people's minds, which made them very "politically incorrect." The recent vintages of Murrieta have not been as interesting to me for a number of reasons.

Godzilla

The CVNE Vina Real '59 was possibly the most memorable red that I have ever enjoyed. I recall opening it when it was either 25 or 30 years of age. On the Davis 20 scale, I gave it a 19-1/2. Computers not being around in those days, I only possess mental notes and cannot fathom the reason that I withheld the 1/2 point, or perhaps I did give it a "20."

Godzilla

What a fantastic lineup of wines, Dale. You guys really put on a show. I'm glad to hear that the '59 Ygay showed as well as it did, given all the uncertainties of opening 50-year-old wines. Good luck with your remaining '59s and again, Happy Birthday to Betsy!

Mark Lipton