From uncommon Syrah country, it makes sense that this wine would thrive in the same environs as Zinfandel. Excellent structure and integration of intense fruit on top of oak. A full, big wine, but with a light enough hand that it is drinkable now. Excellent with rustic cheeses, like sharp or aged cheddar.
— M.S.
(6/1/1999)
Here’s another best-try-it-yourself Syrah—each reviewer identified different flavors and aromas in this wine. Aromas ran the gamut from bubble gum and espresso to cedar, licorice and banana; earth, cherry and herbs were named as dominant flavors. All agree, though, that there’s a lot going on in the Frick, and that it needs a few years to whip its split personality…
— W.E.
(11/1/2001)
Cinsault is a minor French variety, grown in the Rhône and the southwest of France. It typically produces a ripe, full-bodied red wine, as it has here, brimming with dry cherry and blackberry flavors and a rich, pastry taste suggesting chocolate coconut cream pie. Very nice, but drink now.
— S.H.
(5/1/2007)
A bit sharp and weedy, and very dry, but it’s a good, clean wine that trades structure for richness. Strong acids and tannins frame herb-infused flavors of cherries and red currants, with a veneer of sweet oak. Drink now.
— S.H.
(4/1/2010)
A good, tannic, dry wine that will pair well with barbecued steak and other meats whose fatty richness will cut through its considerable tannins. Shows deep, spicy flavors of cherries and currants, with a coating of smoky wood. Drink now.
— S.H.
(4/1/2010)
Cherries of every kind—red, black, jam, pie—are the essence of flavor here, along with red licorice, cola and sandalwood. It’s a nice, structurally interesting and bone dry wine, with firm tannins and a good cut of acidity. Ready now.
— S.H.
(4/1/2010)
A pleasant, unassuming wine akin to Grenache, but with less zing and grip. Only 12.1 percent, it seems a little flat. An interesting nose with slightly sweaty, gamy notes. It’s good enough on its own, but you can see why this is mostly a blending grape in southern France, where it comes from. Bright strawberry and watermelon flavors make it very round.
— M.S.
(6/1/1999)
Like an old-time California wine grown in the backyard and vinified in the basement, this is a rustic, berry-filled red, tannic and cheerful and made for homemade pasta and tomato sauce. The tannins will let it age for a long time. It’s a little sweet toward the finish.
— S.H.
(4/1/2007)