LOUISVILLE, KY OFFLINE - Bourbon's Bistro, Louisville, KY (3/17/2008)

While I was in Louisville on business I had the pleasure of dining with ItalianWino and Brian123 for the second time. I also had the distinct pleasure of meeting ItalianWino's girlfriend, a very special lady indeed. IW is one luck fellow.

On to the wines...

• 2003 Aubert Chardonnay Ritchie Vineyard - USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Coast
  WIML94+
  
  Tasted March 17, 2008. Opened and served immediately. Yellow color in the glass, slightly cloudy throughout. Nose of lemon, yeelow fruits and brown spices. Flavors of lemon and grapefruit early on folowed later by soft brown spices. Medium acidity, full bodied. Drink over the short to mid term. Slightly better than the first bottle. (94 pts.)
• 1997 Pio Cesare Barolo - Italy, Piedmont, Langhe, Barolo
  WIMLNR
  
  Tasted March 17, 2008. Opened and served immediately. Both the nose and palate were a little off from previous tastings. Fruit was a little muted. Acidity was a tad high. Seemed to smooth out and improve a little with about a hour of air time but never hit it's stride so rating withheld.
• 2002 Val de Flores Malbec - Argentina, Mendoza, Valle de Uco, Vista Flores
  WIML92-93
  
  Tasted March 17, 2008. Opened and served immediately. Dark purple color in the glass, clear hue throughout. Big fruit aromas and flavors of currants, plums, berries and some cocoa. Good acidity, tannins and medium to full body. Well balanced. One of the better Malbecs I've ever tasted. Drink over the short to medium term after a short decant. (92 pts.)
• 2001 Bodega Numanthia Termes Toro Numanthia - Spain, Castilla y León, Toro
  WIML93+
  
  Tasted March 17, 2008. Opened and served immediately. Purple color in the glass, clear hue throughout. Big nose of dark cherries and berries that carry through to the palate. Also some smoke notes. Medium to bright acidity, medium to firm tannins, full bodied. Drinking much nicer than the previous bottle. Drink over the short to medium term. My WOTN. (93 pts.)