June gloom kept away as we enjoyed a warm summer Thursday in Rey & Mayra’s backyard. Absent were our frequent travelers: Don & David. But Mr. DeFaria brought along a guest, Nick Davis, to fill out the table.

This meant we had seven wines open (actually, I think we popped a spare that Doug brought for a total of eight bottles!) 

The southern hemisphere theme proved winning, with very interesting juice from Australia, South Africa and South America. 

They drank well, and I think we all remarked on the consistent Cabernet character. But we all wondered how any of these might fare against a great Napa Cab? Hmmmmm.....