Over the course of a week, I taste a bunch of wine, usually with friends, and almost always with my wife. Here are some of the wines we tasted this last week that stood out:

2006 Argyle Pinot Noir Spirithouse Reserve Series: Retail $70. I need to slow down bit with this wine, but it is so damn good! Black cherry and raspberry with a hint of eucalyptus and a bit of heat. On the palate, this stuff simply rocks—great balance of fruit and acidity with a killer finish. Outstanding 90-92 Points.

1996 Domaine des Aubuisières Vouvray Moelleux 2ième Trie Les Girardières:  Retail? I have no idea. It does not take much to get me excited when it comes to wine, but an aged Chenin Blanc is near the top of exciting wines for me. I had been sitting on this puppy for a bit, and we popped it with my wife’s fruit tart. Wow. Apricot, pineapple and a bit of citrus. Sweet without being cloying and a finish that persisted for minutes. Outstanding. 91-93 Points.

1993 Joseph Phelps Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley:Retail ~$40. My wife, who tries her best around wine, claimed that this is one of the best cabs she has had in a long time. She stated: “I like this! It does not taste like a bag of dried cherries. It does not cling to the back of your throat like jam. I’d give it at least a 95. While I am not as effusive about this wine, it is pretty darn good. A bit vegetal on the nose, but a perfect pairing with the Tri-Tip. Outstanding. 91-93 Points.

NV Soutiran Champagne Blanc Perle Noir Grand Cru: Retail $50.This wine had all the elements that I look for in a Champagne: a yeasty nose, hints of bright fruit, extended finish. The only thing that was missing was a vibrant mousse, making this wine seem a bit tired. Still Very Good to Excellent. 88-90 Points.

2009 Tallulah Chardonnay Farina Vineyard: Retail $32. The night after the Vilmart redeemed itself, the Tallulah came through as well! The creamy, buttery nose was accompanied by a citrus component that balanced nicely. On the palate, the harmony persisted, but there was an ever so slight chalkiness on the midpalate that increased as the wine warmed. The finish was solid, medium long, and very nice. Excellent to Outstanding. 89-91 Points.

NV Vilmart & Cie Champagne Cuvée Rubis: Retail $55. Ahhhh, that’s more like it! After the disappointment last week, I decided to pop the other one right away—rich yeasty fruit, vibrant effervescence and a fantastic finish. THIS is what I was expecting… Outstanding. 91-93 Points.

WINE OF THE WEEK: This was not an easy week to pick a wine of the week. Looking back over my notes, I was fortunate to have pulled a few really good bottles.  I also ‘harvested’ a few bottles that I had been sitting on for a while. After a bunch of internal debate, I settled on the 1996 Domaine des Aubuisières Vouvray Moelleux 2ième Trie Les Girardières since I do not have aged Vouvray all that often and it really was outstanding.

What was your wine of the week?