Had an opportunity to have a wonderful dining experience with family in Michigan. The wine list was impressive with a 1999 Chauteau Lafleur Pomerol, 2003 Shafer Hillside Select and a 2004 Dominus.

We began dinner with the Pomeral. The light bodied wine had an aroma and taste of black cherries, mineral, and licorice. The tannin and fruity finish paired well with a variety of appetisers. We wanted a heavier more tannic wine for our dinner. The Shafer Hillside Select hit its mark with a black fruit (black cherry, black raspberries) aroma and taste. It offered caramel and licorice neuances. The finish offered heavy tannins and fruit.

The 2004 Dominus by Dominus Estate Corporation, California is a Bordeaux-style blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Cabernet Franc and 7% Petit Verdot. The aroma and taste offered black fruit especially black berries and black currant. There were licorice neuances. Mild tannins finished with a fruity aftertaste. We drank this wine after dinner and as such it was a good epilogue to our dining experience.