Pulled some wines that need to be drank last night to drink with dinner. I made venison "swiss steak" using top round steak and a fire roasted tomato braise.
1994 Altamura Napa Cabernet-The wine was still dark in the glass. Initially very tight then opening up with black currant and eucalyptus notes on the nose. Medium bodied with slightly faded fruit. Never really gained weight or rounded out in the glass as the wine was quite stern and angular. Was expecting more and was better 5 years ago. "C +"1995 Caymus Napa Cabernet- Slightly brickish in the glass. Virtually no nose on opening slowly gaining black berry and wet stone aromas. I let this sit in the glass for an hour and the wine improved markedly. Blackberry, black cherry, elderberry and black coffee flavors emerged. Drying tannins were a bit tough on the finish with a bitter undercurrant that I could have done without. "B-"
1999 Luna Canto Reserve. I think John Kongsgaard was the winemaker at Luna when this was made but I'm not sure. It's a blend of Sangiovese, Cab and Merlot. Bright cherry nose with a strong iron mineral component. Lighter in body than I expected. High toned acidity with a fairly strong fruit component. Good but not great. "B-"