Balboa

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Balboa 2006 Sayulita Red (Walla Walla Valley (WA))

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Price $40

Named for a favored surf spot in Mexico, Sayulita is a new project from Balboa. This first release, from the Lefore vineyard, is 58% Cabernet Sauvignon and 42% Syrah, a perfect mix and showcase for the strengths of both. Soft and smooth, it’s tightly woven with veins of earth, pepper, black olive, coffee, black fruits and licorice. — P.G. (12/1/2009)

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Balboa 2005 Mith Red Wine (Columbia Valley (WA))

Price $40

The third vintage of Mith is the best yet, composed of fruit from three top-notch Walla Walla vineyards. It’s two thirds Cabernet Sauvignon and one third Syrah. The wine opens seductively with luscious blueberry, blackberry and black cherry fruit, wrapped in sexy layers of earth and herb. Whiffs of smoke lead into a silky smooth, chocolaty finish. — P.G. (8/1/2008)

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Balboa 2007 Sayulita Red (Walla Walla Valley (WA))

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Price $40

All Pepper Bridge vineyard fruit—62% Cabernet Sauvignon and 38% Syrah—this is right in line with the excellent 2006 Sayulita, which came from the Lefore Vineyard. Bright fruit, tart and tangy, gives a juicy, fresh quality to the mouthfeel. Lots of high-acid berry flavors, are accented by light chocolate and caramel notes from 20 months in second and third use French oak. — P.G. (4/1/2012)

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Balboa 2004 Mith Red (Columbia Valley (WA))

Price $40

This is the second vintage for this Bordeaux blend, the winery’s reserve. The simple white label, with Mith in black letters and a black rose in silhouette, belies the quality within. Rather than go for the smooth ride, this wine seeks out the flavor hills on its way to a lightly buttery finish. Elegant and interesting, with clean, Cab-dominated red fruit flavors. — P.G. (3/1/2007)

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Balboa 2008 Mirage Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon (Columbia Valley (WA))

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Price $18

There’s real concentration evident in this modestly priced Cabernet from Balboa. It’s got density and grip—the Cabernet fruit is sappy and solid, with plenty of cassis and black cherry flavor, substantial tannins, and a lick of licorice. This feels and tastes like a pricier bottle. — P.G. (12/1/2009)

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Balboa 2009 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon (Walla Walla Valley (WA))

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Price $24

Balboa does an especially good job with Cabernet, and this sleek, supple, fruit-driven example is a fine new addition to the lineup. From estate-grown fruit, it packs a mix of blue and purple berries into its core, backed with satiny tannins and a dusting of cocoa. — P.G. (11/1/2011)

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Balboa 2009 Estate Syrah (Walla Walla Valley (WA))

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Price $24

New, eco-friendly minimalist packaging and estate-grown fruit push this distinctive Walla Walla Valley Syrah to the front ranks. Juicy, sappy, tart and tangy boysenberry fruit flavors run through the bright midpalate. Tannins are soft and supple, with plenty of lemony acidity backing them up. — P.G. (11/1/2011)

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Balboa 2007 Reserve Red (Columbia Valley (WA))

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Price $28

Tangy berry/black cherry fruit is backed with lots of acid and hints of earthy funk. It’s not vegetal but it is definitely herbal, a complex and flavorful reserve that falls right between Balboa’s regular Syrah and the Sayulita. — P.G. (12/1/2009)

Most Reviewed Designations

Candy Mountain Vineyard Constrictor Red Estate Mirage Vineyard Mith Mith Red Mith Red Wine Reserve Reserve Red Sayulita The Cat's Meow Red Wine

Most Reviewed Varietals

Bordeaux-style Red Blend Cabernet Sauvignon Malbec Merlot Red Blend Sangiovese Sauvignon Blanc Syrah White Blend

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