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
This wine is actually a blend: 88% Zinfandel, 9% Petite Syrah and 3% Barbera. And what a marvelous blend it is – a refined wine that might even be a bit sophisticated for a Super Bowl party, but an indulgence-read more-
This small-production bottling of 60- to 85-year-old vines from the Mohr-Fry ranches is simply spectacular. One sniff of this wine and I was seduced! Deep aromas of dark berry, currant and mocha make you want to sink your nose deeper-read more-
This small artisanal winery with an Old World approach to winemaking has always been a favorite of mine. It doesn’t hurt that winemakers Richard Bruno and Chris Condos have loads a humor to go with their talent! “Quality, Value, Fun”-read more-
First Aromas of cedar and cherry, followed by the promise of earthiness. Later, candied florals emerge. Deep plum red color with an undertone of brown bears out the promise: this is European-style in flavor and acidity, but New World in-read more-
Versatile. Quick but deep. Bright fruit and great acidity make for a tremendously well-balanced wine. Drink with a steak or solo. Awesome. WHO Bennett Lane Winery WHAT Cabernet Sauvignon WHERE California, Napa Valley WHEN 2006 HOW MUCH $95 (media sample)
The day I followed Highway 299’s winding curves into the tiny town of Willow Creek, the leaves on the maples, oaks, dogwoods and buckeyes along the route had turned a deep yellow and crimson -- colors that matched the late-read more-