WIth lunch of braised Kobe shortribs:
1990 Caymus Napa Cabernet- showing a touch of age with a slight brickish tint. Medium weight in the glass. Very plummy on the nose with a fair amount of dusty notes. Red berries and plum on the palate, a bit of leather and cedar. Well resolved tannins with an almost sweet finish. Nice wine. "A-"
1997 Luigi Einaudi Barolo Cannubi-Light red color with some pink at the rim. Bright red fruit nose with plenty of typical Barolo floral rose notes. Fairly powerful on the palate with plenty of acidic backbone. Red cherry, exotic spice flavors and a fair amount of tannin on the finish but a terrific foil to the rich Kobe beef. "A"