A dark, rich, ripe Syrah that defines the California style, and preserves the fine structure that this cool-climate region lends to red wines. The wine is dry and tannic, and the flavors, of blackberries, cherries, blueberries, dark chocolate and sweet, smoky oak, are just delicious. Now and for a few years.
— S.H.
(7/1/2010)
A delicious, supple Syrah from grapes that come mainly from Paso Robles. Full ripeness shows up as lip-smackingly fat flavors of plums, blackberries, and cherries, yet the wine is very dry and balanced. Tannins are soft and yummy.
— S.H.
(6/1/2003)
Extraordinarily ripe fruit has been joined to lavish oak to make a big, strong Chard. The flavors are opulent mango, papaya and pineapple, and the oak is forward in spice, vanilla and buttered toast. There’s an undertow of lees, joined to crisp acidity. Yummy stuff.
— S.H.
(6/1/2004)
A beautiful wine, rich, dry and crisp, offering waves of satisfying flavor. Raspberries, cherries, red licorice and cola flood the mouth, accented with sweet, smoky new French oak, and wrapped into firm, dusty tannins. Drink it over the next four years.
— S.H.
(3/1/2012)
The silky texture is delightful, giving it the lightness desirable in Pinot Noir. Santa Lucia acidity gives a bright edge to the cherry, cola, pomegranate and heirloom tomato flavors. Drink now–2014 for maximum freshness.
— S.H.
(3/1/2013)
A pretty good blend of all five Bordeaux grapes, dominated by Merlot, and marked by effusively fruity aromas and flavors. The fruit is conjoined with well-toasted oak that adds caramel and smoky, spicy notes. Very satisfying, with enough tannins to warrant a few years of aging.
— S.H.
(6/1/2004)
Shows its cool-climate origins in the peppery, meaty aroma that erupts from the glass, but once you sip, it’s super-fruity, almost jammy in black currants, cherries, chocolate, you get the idea. But it’s nice and dry, and smooth in ripe tannins.
— S.H.
(6/1/2005)
Rich and oaky, this Merlot features flavors of blackberries, cherries and chocolate, although it’s fully dry and not too powerful in alcohol. This is a good price for a full-bodied red of this class.
— S.H.
(11/1/2005)