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Temecula Wines

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Stuart Cellars 1998 Vintage Zinfandel (Temecula)

Price $42

Black as ink, with glints of royal purple and gold, it opens with intense, penetrating aromas of dark chocolate, blackberry preserves and cassis, caramel, and a smoky, peppery note. Decadently rich, with 10% residual sugar, and heady, with 19% alcohol, but so delicious. The silky, velvety texture is pure seduction. This has got to be one of the best California… — S.H. (4/1/2002)

Hart Winery 1999 Syrah (Temecula)

Price $24

An amazing wine, with an impenetrable color, that begins with a burst of freshly ground black pepper sprinkled over blackberries, blueberries and rum-soaked plums, and rich scents of grilled, smoked meat. The flavors are dramatic and bold, all cherries, berries, chocolate and spices that change with every swirl. This dry, richly balanced wine is sheer heaven. —S.H. — S.H. (4/1/2002)

Leonesse Cellars 2004 Vista del Monte Vineyard Syrah (Temecula)

Online Exclusive

Price $44

Deeply flavored, this impressive Syrah advances the red wine cause in Temecula. It’s a big, powerful wine, rich in blackberry, currant and new oak flavors, with a peppery, chocolate, anise and grilled meat finish. Really fine now, but also packed with young, astringent tannins, it’s a wine to decant, or cellar for up to five years. — S.H. (12/15/2007)

Castelletto 1999 Trovato Sangiovese (Temecula)

Best Buy

Price $15

Another super-Tuscan blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc, this darkly tinted wine opens with black cherry and smoke aromas, and turns silky and plush on the palate. The solid structure is locked into place with dry tannins. —S.H. — S.H. (4/1/2002)

Mount Palomar 1997 Meritage (Temecula)

Price $16

Well-crafted, with a good, deep color and classic aromas of blackcurrants, cassis, green olives and a smoky layer of sweetly charred oak. Drinks rich and ripe, with pronounced berry flavors that are wrapped in dry, dusty tannins. Soft acids make it round and supple in the mouth, but limit its ageability. —S.H. — S.H. (4/1/2002)

Hart Winery 2002 Volcanic Ridge Vineyard Syrah (Temecula)

Editors' Choice

Price $32

This is a big, burly Syrah (15.4% alcohol) that just manages to hold onto a sense of balance. Black pepper and meaty aromas burst from the glass, followed by earthy, spicy notes and layers of rich plum and blackberry fruit. Chewy tannins mark the finish, but don’t be deceived into thinking that means this wine will age. It might, but it might be better in its… — W.E. (9/1/2005)

Castelletto 1997 Trovato Red (Temecula)

Best Buy

Price $15

Dark, with black cherry and smoke aromas, this deeply flavored wine is sweetly fruity, with ultrasoft tannins. Some overripe notes of raisins and chocolate don’t disturb the pretty balance. A Super Tuscan blend of Sangiovese with smaller amounts of Bordeaux varieties. — S.H. (11/15/2001)

Mount Palomar 1999 Meritage (Temecula)

Price $18

A well-made wine that shows just how good a Bordeaux-style blend can be from this appellation, especially when made in a great vintage. It’s dry and balanced and rich, with a touch of smoky oak and refined tannins. Lacks the acid structure of northerly reds, and needs additional complexities, but a big step forward for Temecula. — S.H. (11/15/2002)

2009 Merry Edwards

Merry Edwards doesn’t just slap this regional blend together. This is a…

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