The dense, dark garnet color was enlivened in the nose by fresh garden herbs, forest leaves and a black and red fruit complexity, complemented by the more savory loam, anise and truffle notes. The palate is where the complexity of-read more-
Tannic and tight, this still seems young. There is a lot of black fruit, and espresso and dark chocolate are trying to peek out from behind the leather and stems. Tannins and acid seem to be in balance, so put-read more-
Why write about a wine already sold out? Well, as the new kid on the block, Aver Family Vineyards is doing great things. But it is all in small lots. Their 2006 100% Estate grown Petite Sirah 'Blessings' is reason-read more-
In 1989, the Swiss Amez-Droz family got an opportunity to buy this 90-hectare estate located just west of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, which offered them several hectares of old vines of mainly grenache and syrah, with smaller amounts of mourvèdre, cinsault, counoise and-read more-
Rich but well-balanced dark fruit, an acid spine the gobs of fruit could hang from in comfort. It drew oohs and ahs from the crowd. WHO: Star Lane Vineyard WHAT: Cabernet Sauvignon WHERE: Santa Ynez Valley, California WHEN: 2005 HOW-read more-
A huge Syrah, exploding with roast meat, herbs, and overwhelming savory umami, dark fruit slathered in teriyaki sauce. WHO: Foxen Vineyard WHAT: Syrah WHERE: Santa Maria Valley, California WHEN: 2006 HOW MUCH: $46
The Sylvia Plath of California Cabernet, lots of brooding dark fruit on the nose. Slightly gamey and brash. Lots of self-loathing. WHO: Swanson Vineyards WHAT: Cabernet Sauvignon WHERE: Oakville AVA, Napa, California WHEN: 2005 HOW MUCH: $75
When a bottle of Stone Hill 2001 Blanc de Blancs Sparkling Wine was broken across the bow of the U.S.S. Missouri recently, it was not only a tribute to the winemaker, the winery and the state of Missouri, but also-read more-