Usually, you see wine reviews and notes for wines that are still in barrel, tasted before they hit the stores. Or perhaps while they're freshly around. Eventually, though, you're going to open something in your cellar, which is what I did this weekend.

Here are a few notes on several bottles from past vintages tasted over the weekend (Saturday, Oct. 15^th 2011).

 The Ducru Beaucaillou 1994 was typical for the vintage, medium-bodied with solid tannins, nice complexity, red fruit and lots of green bell pepper notes; somewhat austere, still quite enjoyable for the moment. Decant for at least an hour. Drink now.

 The Potensac 1996 was a pleasant surprise showing freshness, silky texture, black fruit and depth. Very enjoyable!  Drink now.

 The Canon-la Gaffeliere 1996 was still enjoyable but a bit tired. Should have drunk it two years ago… don’t let that happen.

 The 1996 Estancia Meritage’s exotic fruit was overpowered by very generous oak flavors and the openly sweet finish from residual sugar was a surprise. Drink now.

 The 2001 Montus didn’t let us down!! Dark, saturated, almost black color all the way to the rim, solid tannins, gobs of black fruit and crème de cassis, not to mention 15% alcohol. Power and elegance! Superb! Drink or hold.

A lot more from this producer to come to ABC Fine Wine & Spirits in the near future; will keep you posted.

What are you drinking from your cellar? Any surprises there?

Atanas Nechkov, Central Florida Wine Supervisor