Spencer Roloson

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Spencer Roloson 2002 La Herradura Vineyard Syrah (Napa Valley)

Price $35

The Northern Rhône is the paradigm here, to judge by this wine’s dry density, seriousness and its white-pepper aroma. It’s full and rich on the palate, with fine blackberry, cherry, cocoa and oak flavors. Really quite fabulous in all respects. Best now for its flamboyant youthfulness and intensity. — S.H. (6/1/2005)

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Spencer Roloson 2001 Skellenger Vineyards Viognier (Rutherford)

Price $24

Shows how far winemakers have come with this variety. All the exotic flavors you expect are there, from citrus through white peach, apricot and honeysuckle, but the wine is well balanced. — S.H. (5/1/2003)

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Spencer Roloson 2001 Sueno Vineyard Syrah (Lodi)

Price $28

There’s a density and chalky texture to this wine that make it very full-bodied. It sinks into the palate, carried by the weight of the tannins and the sweet ripeness of the dark stone fruits. At the same time, it’s properly dry. An excellent Syrah, and another testament to how good wines from Lodi can be. — S.H. (12/1/2004)

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Spencer Roloson 2003 Sueno Vineyard Viognier (Lodi)

Price $26

Not over the top like so many others, but keeps its lively menagerie of tropical fruit, vanilla, wildflower and oak flavors controlled by crisp acidity. A pretty lime-and-honeysuckle flavor lasts forever on the finish. — S.H. (6/1/2005)

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Spencer Roloson 2003 La Herradura Vineyard Syrah (Napa Valley)

Price $38

This wine is almost over the top. If it had any more ripe, jammy fruit, it would be. As it is, it’s balanced enough in tannins and acids so that the flood of blackberry pie and mocha flavors go only so far before dryness and structure kick in to check. Those tannins are a modern-day wonder, ripe, sweet and sturdy. — S.H. (3/1/2006)

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Spencer Roloson 2002 Sueno Vineyard Viognier (Lodi)

Price $26

In Lodi the grapes got enough sun and heat to get nice and ripe. The flavors are explosive with complex tropical fruit, wildflower, sweet fig, wild honey and vanilla flavors, to name a few. A crisp spine of acidity provides good structure. This classy wine, for all its flavor, is balanced and elegant. — S.H. (2/1/2004)

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Spencer Roloson 1999 Sueno Syrah (Lodi)

Price $28

From an emerging northeast corner of Lodi that will probably get its own appellation, this dark, dense wine brings to mind the Syrahs of southern Monterey County. Exceedingly ripe, with sweet blackberry, tobacco, plum and chocolate notes, it’s very dry, and the tannins are soft. Doesn’t seem likely to age. Try with grilled steaks and veggies. — S.H. (12/1/2002)

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Spencer Roloson 2001 Tempranillo (Clear Lake)

Price $26

You could almost mistake it for a warm-climate Syrah, with its rich but dry blackberry, chocolate and herb flavors and full-bodied tannins, yet there’s a dustiness that makes it unique. — S.H. (3/1/2004)

Most Reviewed Designations

Balyeat Vineyard La Herradura Vineyard Madder Lake Vineyard Noble Vineyard Palaterra Palaterra Red Wine Skellenger Vineyards Sueno Sueno Vineyard Vin Gris

Most Reviewed Varietals

Red Blend Rosé Sauvignon Blanc Syrah Tempranillo Viognier Zinfandel

2008 PerryMoore Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vineyard

This is a lush, heady wine that’s full bodied and dry, with massive…

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