This was a fun side by side to do tonight. I did not have a lot of hope that these would still be showing good.

2000 Steele Stymie Founders Reserve Merlot Lake County

Disjointed and not a lot a fruit left. Maybe a little espresso on the nose, chocolate cherries, and tobacco. Tastes hot to me. Alcohol showing through. Tannins a bit disjointed.

1999 Duckhorn Napa Valley Merlot

Much more fruit still showing here. Dark cherry, plums, cedar, tobacco. Much more of a plush wine. Tannins are well integrated. I would not hold onto this much longer as I don’t think it will get much better but definitely still drinking nicely today. Pleasantly surprised!