This wine is dry and crisp and enormously complex. It flatters the palate with waves of blackberries, cherries, currants, tangerines, bacon, white pepper and sweet vanilla oak, and the all-important tannin structure is fine. It’s 94% Syrah, while 6% Viognier brings the perfect bite of acidity and citrus.
— S.H.
(12/31/2010)
A very fine Syrah from a new producer, and one to watch. It shows the finest attributes of Santa Ynez Syrah, with warm-climate ripeness and cool-climate structure. Really delicious, offering a flood of blackberry, cassis, black pepper, chocolate and sweet oak flavors that are ravishing. Best now–2011 before it loses freshness.
— S.H.
(3/27/2010)
Dark, dense in structure and fairly tannic, this Syrah floods the mouth with powerfully ripe flavors of blackberries, cherries, cola, leather, spices and sandalwood. It’s a very good wine whose strength calls for strongly flavored meats, sauces and cheeses. Drink now.
— S.H.
(4/1/2010)
This proves how well Sauvignon Blanc can ripen in this warmish, inland Santa Barbara valley. Backed up with crisp acidity, this has a firm, minerally moutheel that conveys refreshing Meyer lemon, lemongrass, guava and honey flavors.
— S.H.
(12/1/2012)
A lovely Riesling made in the off-dry style of a fine German Kabinett. It’s crisp and sleek in acidity, with a mineral undertow to the peach, pineapple, gardenia and petrol flavors. Very pretty and polished with pan-fried trout almondine.
— S.H.
(4/1/2010)
This Sauvignon Blanc has very strong, ripe flavors of grilled pineapples, peaches, lemons and mangoes. Crisp, citrusy acidity fortunately balances out the rich fruity sweetness. A lovely cocktail sipper with some real complexity.
— S.H.
(12/31/2010)
Defined by sheer richness and opulence, this oaky Chardonnay is meant to be opened now. It’s rich and forward in pineapple and guava fruit, buttered toast, caramel and honey flavors.
— S.H.
(12/31/2010)
Made in a honey-sweet style, but the acidity is excellent, and balances the richness so that the finish is dry and clean. The flavors are very ripe in peaches, Key lime pie and vanilla custard. A nice cocktail sipper.
— S.H.
(12/31/2010)