For sheer deliciousness, it’s hard to beat this Syrah. It shows intensely concentrated blackberry, cherry and liqueur flavors, with rich, smoky oak complexities, and the mouthfeel is pure velvet. For all the richness, the wine finishes dry and elegant. Compellingly good, and a worthy alternative to a great Napa Valley Cabernet.
— S.H.
(12/31/2010)
A great wine at a good price. Has pretty aromas, with black cherry, anise, bacon, plum, oak and spice. Really sumptuous textures and flavors, deft and complex. No one fruit flavor stands out but it has impeccable balance and harmony.
— S.H.
(10/1/1999)
For all its obvious power, this wine is elegant and stylish. The sweet cherry fruit is wrapped in a layer of lavender, thyme and sweet oak. The flavors coat the mouth and last for a long time. The underlying strength and staying power of this wine shows in the tannic finish. Best after 2007.
— S.H.
(12/1/2004)
If more Syrah tasted like this, the variety just might overtake Cabernet in popularity. It’s really good, combining a dry, firm structure with lush flavors, in the way of blackberries, blueberries, currants and a meatiness like the sweet, charred fat on a steak. Kudos to vintner Murray for bottling it in a screwtop.
— S.H.
(4/1/2012)
Here’s a Rhône blend every bit as complex and elegant as a fine Napa Cabernet. Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre contribute berries, earth, violets, pepper and chocolate. Everything really comes together here. A wonderful wine.
— S.H.
(6/1/1999)
From a respected Rhône specialist comes this inky black, superconcentrated wine. No slouch, it throws off plummy, leathery, oaky and berry aromas and flavors that are intense, enormous and complex. Huge, but with wonderful balance and structure. This single-vineyard offering is a wine to watch.
— S.H.
(6/1/1999)
A distinctive Viognier, and easily one of the state’s best. Has the usual array of stone and tropical fruit flavors, with a minerality that’s refreshing. Crisp and authoritative, sleek and refined, and perfectly oaked. Stunning, with the richness of a fine Chardonnay.
— S.H.
(3/1/2003)
Expensive, but this is a very rare wine and a very good one. It is young and intense, with uplifted dark stone fruit and berry aromas and flavors with a rich, peppery note. The tannins are ripe and thick. Drinkable now, but has the structure and balance to cellar.
— S.H.
(12/1/2003)