2005 Francis Coppola / Niebaum-Coppola Merlot Diamond Collection Blue Label

I decanted this wine about 1 1/2 hours.

The nose was loaded with chocolate and oak, along with generous helpings of plum and raspberry. The palate was very tannic and had quite a bit of heat. It also had raspberry and plum, and finished with spicy vanilla. The wine was drinkable, but had way too much oak for my taste.

2006 Linne Calodo Outsider

The nose had chocolate, blackberry, and cherry. The palate had blackberry and spice, and finished with some black currant.

2005 Seavey Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Caravina

The nose had lots of meat, some licorice, and a little black currant. The palate had coffee, chocolate, meat, and finished with a bit of spice.

2005 Amavi Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon

The nose was a little tight, but I did get some raspberry and dirt. The palate had nice cassis and some black currant, and finished with a bit of chocolate and spice.

2005 Pax Syrah Cuvée Keltie

I decanted this wine about 5 hours.

The nose had loads of blackberry mixed with flowers, plus hints of tea, chocolate, and game. The palate was thick and rich, and had lots of dark fruit, some licorice and pencil lead, and finished with some dirt and spice.

2005 Roy Estate Proprietary Blend

A great nose of chocolate, black currant, earth, and vanilla. The palate was smooth, and had black currant, spice, and oak. The finish was a little hot.

2005 Brutocao Quadriga Hopland Ranches

The nose had a fair amount of cherry, some chocolate, a little pepper, and a nice floral finish. The palate was rich, and had cherry and chocolate, a bunch of pepper, and a good finish of earth.

2003 Sbragia Family Cabernet Sauvignon Rancho del Oso

The nose was mainly coffee and chocolate, with some blueberry and vanilla. The palate had mocha, coffee, blueberry, cedar, cherry, and vanilla.

2002 Palmaz Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon

The nose had a bunch of chocolate, dark berries, and spice. The palate was rich, with black currant, raspberry, and spice.

2005 Oakville East Cabernet Sauvignon Exposure

The nose had nice cherry and plum aromas, and ended with some tobacco and coffee. The palate had plum and cherry, and finished with chocolate and spice.