The Macallan Fine Oak vs. The 18

I had the opportunity to compare The Macallan 17 Fine Oak to The Macallan 18 tonight. I find the 17 to be slightly darker than the 10 year Fine Oak, with a much more pronounced flavor as compared to the 10 year Fine Oak; however, in retrospect, I find my flavor profile much more accommodating toward Macallan when it's strictly aged in sherry casks as opposed to a blend of bourbon and sherry cask aged scotch. The Macallan 18 has more color and a much more complex flavor profile; granted it's of NO comparison to the 25, but it still has a smooth, soothing finish that's hard to beat. I can't, nor will I, ever choose to compare it to more normal everyday scotch (Walker Black), but given the evening which I've had the chance to really put the two side-by-side, I'd go with the 18, bar none.

On another note, I met the son of the owner of Toscano, Andrew, this afternoon and we had a nice discussion about Nebbiolo and the beauty of Italian wines. I'll have to splurge for the Casanova di Neri next time I'm in.

P.S. As Jon said this evening; NEVER SETTLE. Find The Best and GO FOR IT.

Mayacamas Vineyards 2000 Cabernet Sauvignon

Upon opening, aromas of spicy black currant, blackberries, bittersweet chocolate, and anise. The first taste showed strong, unbalanced tannins that overpowered the aromas; I almost thought it was oxidized by the finish. The wine needs a few more years in the bottle to come to terms with itself. After decanting, its complexity opened up majestically and its robust fruit-forward nature and elegant, persistent finish became apparent.