The 2015 My Favorite Neighbor blew me away from barrel, and it didn’t disappoint from bottle and is one of the all-time greats from Paso Robles with regards to Bordeaux varieties. Crème de cassis, lead pencil shavings, chalky minerality and hints of espresso all flow to a full-bodied polished, ripe, downright sexy Cabernet that has terrific density as well as elegance. A blend of 67% Cabernet Sauvignon and 33% Petit Verdot, brought up all in French oak, it’s an incredible wine that readers need to taste to believe. Drink it anytime over the coming two decades.

The 2003 Léoville Barton was sensational on release, closed down slightly for 4-5 yeas, and is just now starting to emerge from its adolescence and is on the early side of its drink window. Possessing a saturated purple/ruby color as well as a sensational bouquet of crème de cassis, charcoal, lead pencil shavings and damp earth, it’s full-bodied, gorgeously concentrated, balanced and long.  While from a freakishly hot vintage, it has terrific purity, as well as complexity. It’s a blockbuster, yet classic wine from Anthony Barton that’s going to provide incredible amounts of pleasure over the coming 2-3 decades. 96 points