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Of course, this bottle should have been consumed long ago, but it happens.  This acquitted itself very well, all things considered.  Deep ruby in color, some browning but not much at the rim.  The nose is dusty, earthy with some dried and macerated cherries.  On the palate, this has some layering going on, fresh cherries, dried cherries and forest floor notes.  Tannins are all resolved.  A bit tart.  Good finish.  This improved a bit with food.  I worked well with a vegetarian bean cassoulet.  These should be drunk up.  

This is one of the best Syrah's out of Sonoma County.  It is built for the long haul so make sure to let it rest in the cellar or give it plenty of air.  Purple in color, mostly opaque and bright.  The nose has black cherries, black raspberries, roasted meats and slight root beer note which was interesting.  Full bodied.  On the palate, lots of black raspberry fruit starting to layer with a charred earthiness and slight bacon notes.  This still has medium tannins.  Great balance and energy.  Long finish.  This may yet improve, but is more likely about as good as it will get.  No hurry, this

Nice to revisit this wine.  It was quite rambunctious on release and while still more of a brawny Zin it has started the evolution to more claret in style.  Purple in color with ruby swirls.  The nose has raspberries, black cherries, some spice and black pepper.  On the palate, this is medium bodied.  Plenty of raspberries and cherries with some dry charred earthiness.  There is some warmth on the finish but not enough to be a concern.  There does seem to be enough fruit to last, so the question is what you are looking for in a Zinfandel.  If you want big and bold drink now, but if claret s

This is a nice white from Mike Smith at Myriad.  Light golden in color.  The nose is a bit waxy with lemon (a slight furniture polish note) and nice minerality.  slightly viscous and slightly oily in texture.  On the palate there is a nice lemony note along with underlying minerality.  Crisp.  Good finish.  This is drinking well now.  it probably should be consumed in the next few years to enjoy its vibrancy but no doubt it can last longer.  It will go well with chicken salad or other lighter foods and sea foods.  

This is Becklyn's base Cabernet.  Even so, it is still a great bottle and is expensive.  Purple in color, ruby at the rim.  Opaque and bright.  The nose has a lot of cassis, some cedar and spice.  On the palate, this is full bodied.  Firm tannins.  Lots of cassis, some blueberries over some cedar/earthiness.  Lush and delicious.  Nice finish.  This drinks great on its own right now.  It will require some grilled or roasted meat.  This should continue to evolve over the next seven to ten years and become more complex and food friendly.  It will drink well for twelve to fifteen years.  

This is a blend of 89% Syrah and 11% Petit Sirah.  It takes time for the Petite to emerge and today, the Syrah is really the show.  And a great show it is.  Inky purple in color, opaque and bright.  The nose has black raspberries, char, violets, slight roasted meats and herbs.  Full bodied with a lush texture.  On the palate, juicy black raspberries with slight blueberries, and some underlying char and earthiness.  Medium tannins.  Long finish.  This drinks great on its own and went well with a chocolate cake but would work well with Indian food or roasts as well.  

Carlisle makes a variety of Zinfandels.  This is one of my favorites.  Great vineyard.  Purple in color with ruby swirls.  The  nose has black rasoberries, bramble, and black cherries.  Also a bit of char.  Great texture.   A nice complexity with layers of black raspberry fruit, black pepper and woodiness/sticks.  Nice finish.  This is just passing the exuberant stage for a Zin but should continue to evolve for the next ten to twelve years.  It worked great with a chocolate molten cake dessert.  

My first time trying this wine.  Very nice.  A blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Petite Sirah and the rest Merlot and Petit Verdot.  Purple in color, ruby at the rim.  The nose has black cherries, black raspberries, char and spice.  On the palate, the black cherries dominate.  There is some green bell pepper (in a good way) that is very traditional.  Some underlying roasted meats.  This already has a tight complexity that unwinds in the glass.  Nice finish.  This probably needs another five to seven to peak and should be good for ten to twelve more after that.  it is food friendly and wi

Sometimes, I think this doesn't get enough credit as it is somehow considered a second wine to the vineyard designate Cabs from Bevan.  It is expensive but it's only half the price of those.  And it might just be hair off.

This is a very decadent Cab that is drinking very well at this young age.  Purple in color, opaque and bright.  The nose is very nice with black cherries, cassis, dust, some graphite and hints of earthiness.  On the palate, this is soft and accessible.  It's a big wine but the tannins are soft and the fruit is ripe.  Lots of cassis, blueberries and plums.  Underlying  spice.  Nice finish.  Delicious.  This drinks great on its own and will work with roasts and grilled foods.  It should calm down a bit in five to seven years and be good drinking for the next twenty.