Wine & Spirits, August 2005

Review Score

93 Exceptional

2003 Columbia Valley Merlot 2003 Merlot

Sumptuous, sexy Merlot (with 10% cabernet sauvignon and 5% cabernet franc), this was drawn from five pedigreed vineyard sources on Red Mountain and in Walla Walla, including Tapteil, Seven Hills, and Sagemoor. Its cherry flavors seem to get the red dust succulence from Walla Walla, and their depth of tannin from Red Mountain. Completely satisfying: serve with breast of duck.

2004 Syrah: Wine & Spirits, February 2008

Wine & Spirits February 2008

This wine is really all about chocolate, especially when first opened. A ripe black raspberry-jam scent emerges from underneath, with candied plum flavors giving buyancy to that cocoa'd base. With time this wine becomes more ample and fresh, both juicy and mouthfilling. A syrah for barbecued ribs.