One of my favorite times of the year is attending the Central Coast Wine Classic auction in Avilla Beach. In preparation for this year`s event, I drove up the day before and stayed with a good friend who hosted 6 of us for a wonderful evening of homemade pizzas along with creative side dishes brought by the others. It was a great evening amongst good friends and we enjoyed some stellar wines such as:

NV BOLLINGER BRUT ROSE- this is a delightful rose that consistently offers delicious fresh red fruit in a crisp and clean way that more than prepared out palates for the wines and food that followed.

1996 LOUIS LATOUR LES FOLATIERES PULIGNY MONTRACHET 1ER CRU- absolutely magnificent; I`ve had this many years ago and remember it was great then, but this was over the top; nicely evolved, it gave off an inviting tropical nose followed by butterscotch sweetened apples, kiwi and pineapple carried across the palate in a smooth, oily substance with staying power; beautifully balanced; great acidity and still fresh in my mind 2 days later.

2010 GUIGAL CONDRIEU- with time, this moved into a very pleasant place offering apricot, pineapple and peach in a full body and its usual creamy rich, palate coating texture; always a treat from this producer and Viognier that is not replicated here in the US IMHO.

2007 HOURGLASS BLUDLINE CABERNET- a stunning Cab that just got better and better evidenced by everyone going back and back for another taste; its so soft and elegant and the very fresh black cherry notes just beautifully blend into the whole experience; great structure and continuous joy highlight this wine; a true treasure in the Napa Cab scheme of things.

2007 BLANKIET ESTATE PARADISE HILLS VINEYARD CABERNET- 60% Cab, 40% Merlot; another star from Napa, this was a medium bodied wine that had some nice black currant and blackberry fruit and a little pencil lead, but it seemed a bit closed and tight and never did open up in the time I gave it; I know this producer has received many accolades for making fine wines and I look forward to revisiting this one and others.

2009 VINEYARDIST CABERNET- new to me, this is 100% organic and sustainably grown fruit; it was decanted for hours in advance of drinking and rightfully so; it`s a pretty serious player and has some depth and complexity along with an abundance of ripe, fresh fruit, especially black cherry and blueberry and a hint of chocolate and coffee notes; I liked this one especially for the great fruitiness that shines throughout.

1995 DOLCE- from Far Niente, this late harvest blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon is nicely mature and very enjoyable with its thick and creamy rich apricot and peach sweetness; always a winner at the end of a meal especially when paired with stone fruit desserts.

Now, I`m ready for the auction which year in and year out has been such a good time with a plethora of outstanding wines shared by outstanding people and an ultimately resulting benefit for many important charities. Remarks forthcoming.

Cheers