Verve continues to rock with their new Syrah. Fire up the barbie with steak or pork chops to eat with this lusty, full-bodied red wine. It’s dry and tannic, with rich, complex flavors of blackberries, black currants, pepper and a sweet, salty meaty note, like the char on a broiled steak.
— S.H.
(12/31/2009)
You have to look closely at the back label to see that this is sourced from the outstanding Boushey Vineyard in Washington’s Yakima Valley. But there is no doubt once you taste the rush of blueberry/blackberry fruit, swathed in smoky meat, bacon fat, dried tobacco and composted earth flavors. Incense aromas weave through, with firm acids holding the wine in focus.
— P.G.
(8/1/2010)
Tight, tannic and bone dry, this ultralow production wine comes from the small, somewhat obscure Sonoma Mountain appellation. It aims high, with the Northern Rhône the model. The blackberry and black currant flavors have an edge of smoky oak. Judging from the way the wine gains interest in the glass as it warms, it should have a fine future.
— S.H.
(5/1/2008)
Pinotphiles will appreciate that this was 100% destemmed for fermentation. The fruit is the star, suggesting freshly crushed blackberries, cherries, black raspberries and cola, spiced up with cinnamon, anise and nutmeg. An elegant sipper that gets better as it warms. Try decanting for a couple hours before serving.
— S.H.
(3/1/2008)
A whiff of leather to open, followed by plenty of cranberry and cherry fruit, balanced and medium bodied. Mocha and cola streaks run into ripe tannins.
— P.G.
(6/1/2010)
Clean and crisp, this is a very pleasant Sauvignon Blanc, with flavors of lemons, limes, pink grapefruit, figs, goosberries, sweet green melons and minerals. With no oak, but aged on the lees, it shows a complex structure that finishes with elegance and style.
— S.H.
(5/1/2008)
Soft and direct. Tastes like a liquid granola bar, with melted flavors of raspberries, cocoa, roasted almonds, vanilla, cinnamon and brown sugar. Drink now.
— S.H.
(12/31/2009)
A chewy style, with lots of earthy, organic flavors, but not much in the way of sweet fruit. Truffles, dried leaves and a bit of tomato can be found, then it thins out quickly.
— P.G.
(6/1/2010)