This was my first time trying wine. It is a solid wine. Whether it is worth the $40 price tag is up to you. It did seem a bit advanced so perhaps look for younger vintages. Purple in color with some browning. The nose is dusty with black cherries. On the palate, this is tart with black cherry fruit. Also a black olive note. This drinks like a cooler climate Syrah. It will work with a wide variety of foods; stews will be great.
Sadly, this was corked (the cork was infected with 2,4,6-trichloroanisole or TCA). Its too bad as the underlying wine seemed quite good. Might have been a great value.
This is a blend of 89% Syrah and 11% Graciano from the Central Coast of California. Purple in color, opaque and bright. The nose has black raspberries, black pepper and roasted meats and herbs. Full bodied. Medium tannins. On the palate, this is drinking well. Flavors of black raspberries with some pepper. Good finish. This is riper in style but not to an extreme. It should drink well for another ten years. Nice on its own, this will work well with hearty foods such as Roasted Acorn Squash.
Purple in color. The nose is great with black raspberries, black pepper, and some roasted meats. Very deep. On the palate, this is still young but drinking great. Black raspberry fruit with some roasted herbs and some spice. Great texture. Deep and tightly layered. Long finish. This will develop more complexity but if you like lush, delicious warm climate Syrah, this one is fine now.
