394429 Sun Apr 22 21:45:54 -0700 2007 2 34 Wine 0 2505326 For the blow by blow on our prime rib chowdown at Stormy's in Bloomfield, California (near Bodega Bay), read here: http://www.chowhound.com/topics/394407 These are the wines the group brought to enjoy, with collected notes and comments: Ramazzotti 2003 Dry Creek Sangiovese - this wine had very varietal character with a smooth texture and notes of sour cherry, dried cherry, juicy strawberry and soft oak spice. A great, very drinkable example of California Sangiovese. Dehlinger 1995 Bordeaux Blend Russian River (70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot) - this wine had gorgeous aromatics off the bat, and then faded fairly quickly. In that initial tasting period it was balanced and smooth, showing mature wine characters of green peppercorn, currant, olive, earth and mushroom with sweet fruit notes emerging at the end. Titus Vineyards 2000 Lot 1 Napa Valley - a proprietary blend of Petite Sirah, Petite Verdot and Zinfandel, available only at the winery. Despite the reputation of 2000 as a softer vintage for Napa Valley wines, this darkly pigmented wine is showing big, concentrated structure, and lively notes of dark berries, vanilla and baking spice. (This wine is produced by my employer.) Sun Apr 22 21:45:55 -0700 2007 16831 Ruby Louise 1 2505516 So, of the several wines served with this dinner, which was the best match for the prime rib ? Mon Apr 23 01:31:54 -0700 2007 2505326 42549 Chicago Mike 1 2506143 You were lucky to get that 2003 Ramazzotti Sangiovese. It is one of my favorite wines and I have wowed some guests with it. It had very limited production and I got some of the last few bottles at Locals in Geyserville, who evidently serve as the tasting room and distributors for the winery. Mon Apr 23 08:53:04 -0700 2007 2505326 14128 BN1