Golden in color, clear. The nose has lemons and slight apple cider. Full bodied. On the palate, the apple cider notes are stronger. Nice texture. Some acid. Mature if a bit past. These should be consumed sooner than later. It will work better with some lighter but rich foods. Crab or lobster would work.
Beautiful showing for this wine. Inky purple in color. The nose has black raspberries, slight black pepper, black olives and roasted herbs. Full bodied. Silky texture. On the palate, this has depth and complexity. Layers of black raspberry fruit, char, and pepper. Long finish. This is drinking well but will continue to evolve and mature. Some upside potential. Drink now and for ten to fifteen more years. A great match with spicy or roasted meat and/or veggie dishes.
This is a top quality winery from Southern California. The El Ama is one of the top Cabernet Francs made anywhere. Actually, it is 75% Cabernet Franc, 10% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Petit Verdot. It is ripe and delicious. Purple in color, ruby at the rim. The nose has black cherries, black olives, cigar box and spice. Full bodied with a lush texture. There is a nice depth with bold black cherry fruit over a nice earthiness. Good finish. This is just getting to full maturity but should easily go another decade. A nice match for lamb or other grilled meats.
This is a leaner in style, more energetic Chardonnay. Thee alcohol comes in at 12.5%. Medium gold in color. The nose does show some slight smoke/vanilla but there is also plenty of pear and chalk. Light to medium bodied with a nice backbone of acidity. The pears come thru to the palate with a tart lemon lime note too. A bit shorter on the finish. Overall, a very refreshing Chardonnay that would perform better on its own and with some food than in a tasting. It should drink well for the next eight to ten years. Great with salads or fruits, and also cheeses, it will work well with mo
Petite Sirah is a very interesting grape. Some wines are made to be consumed young but most need a little to a long time. This one is not quite there but almost. It is a grape that might be better suited to blending although its fans are strong (of which I am one). The flavors are deep and intense but not boisterous. This one is deep purple in color. The nose has boysenberries, slight plums, dark chocolate and tarragon. With air, a bit of black pepper. On the palate, this is medium bodied. The boysenberries and plums come thru with an underlying gravelly note. Nice balance. It re
With Daniel Green now firmly in charge of the winery, it was good to see that the quality of these wines is just as good as ever. The basic Jaffurs Syrah has long been an excellent value in warmer climate Syrah. This one is no exception. Purple in color. The nose has black raspberries, white pepper and roasted meats with slight violets. On the palate, this is full bodied with a lush but lively texture. Juicy black raspberry fruit. Depth. Medium tannins. Nice finish. This will continue to get better for five to seven more years and be good for another ten after that. It will work
Wow, did this bottle exceed expectations (and they were pretty high). It really grabs one's attention. Though still on the young side, it is drinking great. Purple in color, opaque and bright. The nose is big with black raspberries, roasted meats, slight clove, plums and just a bit of graphite. Full bodied. Rich texture. Deep and complex. Juicy acidity. Lots of black raspberry fruit with underlying roasted meats and herbs. Long finish. This seems like it is closing in on peak. Not sure if it gets better but should easily do another ten years at this level. Whether to open or ho
This is still a bit young but rounding into peak form and almost there. With a bit of air, this is drinking quite well. A blend of 95% Cabernet Franc, 4% Cabernet Sauvignon and 1% Merlot. Purple in color. The nose is great with black cherries, leather, cigar box, slight dark chocolate, cherries and slight spice. On the palate, this has a lush but firm texture. Lots of energy. Layers of fruit and dried tobacco with a bit of char. Complex. Light tannins. After about an hour, this was singing. Long finish. This will work with most heavier foods especially roasts or casseroles (wit
A blend of 57% Mourvèdre, 29% Grenache and 14% Syrah. Deeper ruby in color, purple at the core. The nose has black cherries, cherries, some floral notes, black pepper and spice. On the palate, this is medium bodied. Black cherry fruit with some black raspberries over a slight char and a slight dried lavender note. Good balance. Lots of energy. Good finish. This is drinking well now and while it might not get better it should morph a bit darker with age. It will work well with stews and casseroles. It should drink well for the next seven to ten years.
Purple in color. The nose is very nice with black raspberries, black cherries, roasted herbs and slight violet notes. On the palate, this is full bodied. It is a big wine, but not over blown. Notes of black raspberries over a char and dry earth. Good balance. Long finish. This is still young and will likely improve. It needs about five years until peak and should be good for ten to fifteen after that. Syrahs like this go well with Indian food and also meat based dishes.
