92
points
Taz 2005 Fiddlestix Vineyard Pinot Noir (Sta. Rita Hills)
-
$35
This is a real success for Taz. The wine shows its pedigree both in regional terroir and the vineyard, which is large but well managed. Very dry and with a smooth, silky texture, this Dijon clone has forward flavors of cherries, blackberries, raspberries and cola. It shows the finesse and subtle power that have made cool, coastal California Pinot such a success.
— S.H.
(12/1/2007)
92
points
Taz 2003 Goat Rock Syrah (Santa Maria Valley)
-
$28
This cool-climate Syrah has Hermitage in its sights, and is well worth the price. Bone dry, full-bodied and distinguished, the wine opens with white pepper and cassis aromas, and turns deliciously complex in the mouth, offering waves of black currants, grilled meat and oak that finish tannic. Drink now through 2010.
— S.H.
(12/1/2005)
92
points
Taz 2006 Chardonnay (Santa Barbara County)
-
$20
Los Alamos is a Santa Barbara region that should have its own appellation, to judge by this and many other wines grown there. A cool place, it has given this Chardonnay brilliantly crisp acidity, while ripening the fruit to perfection. Apricots, peaches, pears and mangoes are the primary flavors, enhanced with rich, toasty oak.
— S.H.
(12/31/2007)
92
points
Taz 2004 Goat Rock Syrah (Santa Maria Valley)
-
$28
A worthy followup to the ’03, this rich, intricately layered Syrah is fresh in jammy fruits and dusty tannins, although it’s not a hard, tannic wine. If you think of a great Napa Cabernet and shift the flavor profile toward red cherries, pomegranates and pepper, that’s it.
— S.H.
(12/1/2006)
92
points
Taz 2008 Fiddlestix Vineyard Pinot Noir (Sta. Rita Hills)
-
$35
Shows a welcome return to form for this bottling, after a few off years. The wine is wonderfully dry and complex, offering nuanced flavors of cherries, raspberries and cola, as well as the spicy, smoky sandalwood of oak barrel aging. A sophisticated and elegant wine for drinking now.
— S.H.
(3/1/2011)
91
points
Taz 2008 Pinot Noir (Santa Barbara County)
-
$23
2008 was a great vintage for Tax, and this Santa Barbara bottling is a great value. It really delivers, offering a dry, elegantly structured and complex wine. The silky texture houses savory flavors of cherries, red currants, cola and sandalwood, with an umami taste of bacon. Just delicious for drinking now.
— S.H.
(7/1/2011)