Richness defines this ripe Syrah. It dazzles with blackberry and cherry jam, dark chocolate and exotic spice flavors, while firm tannins provide supportive structure. Oak adds additional tannins and a smoky, toasty coat. Drink now and through 2015.
— S.H.
(5/1/2012)
Enormously rich, with intense blackberry and cherry jam, currant, dark chocolate and bacon flavors, wrapped into firm tannins. The vineyard is in a warm, high elevation part of the county. Delicious now, and should acquire additional bottle interest over the next six years.
— S.H.
(4/1/2012)
A rich and flamboyant Viognier. One might even call it majestic. Somehow it combines fabulously ripe, opulent fruit, honey and spice flavors with a savory minerality, leading to a dry finish. A real achievement in California Viognier.
— S.H.
(4/1/2012)
The grapes for this Syrah come from the Ballard Canyon area, which is likely to be Santa Barbara’s next official appellation. It’s a big, full-bodied wine, tannic and dry, with blackberry, blueberry, smoked meat, black pepper and sandalwood flavors. Feels fine and dramatic in the mouth, and should develop bottle interest through 2015.
— S.H.
(4/1/2012)
This very fine Petite Sirah mysteriously blends the variety’s robust, full-bodied tannins with the silky delicacy of a Pinot Noir. The flavors are big and deep, offering an explosion of dried fruits, berries, tobacco, spicy gingersnap cookie and grilled meat. Drink with hearty stews and barbecue now, or stash it away for a few years.
— S.H.
(4/1/2012)
This is a rich, ripe Syrah, with deep, long-lasting chocolate, blackberry jam and oak flavors. Impresses for its sheer razzle dazzle. Probably best over the next few years.
— S.H.
(5/1/2012)
This rich, full-bodied Grenache shows ripe cherry and blueberry fruit, enriched with smoky, caramelized oak. It’s fat, soft and flashy, if a bit direct. Drink now.
— S.H.
(4/1/2012)
Soft and decadently rich, this single-vineyard Syrah shows flavors of crushed blackberries, plums, mocha, anise, pepper and smoky cedar, finished with some heat from high alcohol. Drink now.
— S.H.
(11/1/2009)