Enjoyed a lovely dinner at Cocotte (neighborly Provence-style bistro restaurant in Russian Hill) to celebrate our good friend Keith’s birthday! I’ve dined at Cocotte on several occasions and they never disappoints! Speck asparagus with poached egg salad, seared squid and their banana créme brûlée was to die for (sheer deliciousness!!). Eye-candy for a bartender? Bonus! We began the evening with a bottle of champagne followed by our Oliver Hill 2003 Shiraz Jimmy Section (15% alcohol) from Australia. A prodigious and truly decadently rich 100% Shiraz was aged in French oak, of which one-third is new. It offered up a luxurious aromatic display of loamy earth, new saddle leather, blackberry liqueur, charcoal, and barbecue spices. Layered, chewy, full-bodied, and opulent with extravagant richness, sweet, supple tannin, and low acidity. This is a knock-out Shiraz that is drinking perfectly tonight! Rated 94RP. Happy birthday, Keith!