Overall impressions: as expected, the wines were generally fabulous and the food was superb. Anticipation has been running high for the 2002 vintage, and this has again been one of the most eagerly awaited tastings of fruit from Santa Barbara County vineyards.

Once again, it was exciting to see a large number of new labels represented in this tasting - since it meant many new Syrahs and Pinots, as well as some fascinating new blends in the lineup. Chardonnay, which once proliferated at this and many other events, has definitely taken a back seat to 'alternative' whites like Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier, and Albarino. That being said, Qupe had a very nice Chard in its lineup.

Among my favorites from this year's tasting were several Syrahs - most of which came from the 'usual suspects,' including Beckmen, Drew, Kenneth-Crawford, Tensley, etc. On the Pinot Noir side of things, kudos to Drew, Foley, Hitching Post, Melville, and Rusack. So many of these wines were so good in fact, it was hard to find anything to be disappointed about...so I didn't!

2003 Pinot Noir "Cargasacchi" $32.95. Big, dense nose of dark cherry, earth and herbs. Full, very balanced on the palate, with a long
200 cases. Overall score: A-

Comments: quickly becoming a benchmark Pinot Noir vineyard, here's another fabulous Cargasacchi Pinot from Bryan Babcock.

2003 Grenache "Purisima Mountain Vineyard" $23.95. This time through, the Grenache was co-fermented with a bit of Syrah, and the results are gorgeous. In addition to the ton of raspberry fruit, there is a really nice dark cherry and light herbed scent. On the palate, the fruit is rich and chewy, and chocolate comes through a bit more on the finish. Fabulous stuff!! 250 cases. Overall score: A-

2003 Syrah "Purisima Mountain Vineyard Clone 1" $27.95. Lots of coffee and espresso in the nose telegraph the sweet French oak. Loads of dark fruit and spice, with an incredibly chewy mouthfeel and very long finish. 500 cases. Overall score: A-

2003 Syrah "Purisima Mountain Vineyard Block Six" $27.95. Biodynamically farmed, this particular block sits at the top elevation in the vineyard, and gets special attention (hey, what do think biodynamics is/are?). Significantly more 'French' in both nose and taste, with lots of black fruit, full mouthfeel, and long gripping finish. 500 cases. Overall score: A-

2002 Cabernet Sauvignon "Purisima Mountain Vineyard" $39.95. Lots of ripe cassis in nose and mouth, beautiful balance, and long tasty finish. Where's the green? There isn't any. 100 cases. Overall score: A-

Comments: the Grenache is 'other worldly.' And, while the Clone 1 Syrah is up to its usual standards, the Block Six has my nod of the two Syrahs. Finally, this Cab ought to send a clear message that the eastern valley isn't just for Merlot anymore.

Mike & Brooke Carhartt

2002 Merlot "Estate"$26.95. Seemingly a little tight right now, this wine is plummy and slightly herbal, with full body and long velvety finish. 300 cases.
Overall score: B

2002 Syrah "Estate" $26.95. Sweet, ripe blackberry nose, with underlying aromas of meat and bacon. Slightly soft mouthfeel, plenty of fruit and flavor, with a nice bacony touch throughout the long finish. 200 cases. Overall score: A-

Comments: with 10 acres of Merlot and Syrah, the Carhartts are long-time SYV growers whose fruit has been behind many of the full-throttle Foxen bottlings. With its interesting meaty qualities, the Syrah was the clear winner for me.

2003 Syrah "Colson Canyon" $23.95. Co-fermented with 7% Viognier - aka 'the 7% Solution.' Nice floral tones accent the nicely herbed blackberry and pepper. Rich and very well-balanced, the dark fruit gets a nice lift from the Viognier. 50 cases. Overall score: B+

2003 Syrah"Westerly" $23.95. Nose of blackberry, coffee, spice and licorice. Chewy and seamless, with excellent balance and very long finish. 125 cases. Overall score: A-

Comments: Owners David and Helen Hardee, and winemaker Joey Tensley continue to fashion beautiful Syrahs for this label. Despite the Colson's interesting Viognier addition, I preferred the Westerly - just by a nose.

Etienne Terlinden

2003 Sauvignon Blanc "Royal Oaks" $11.95.Gorgeous tropical aromas dominate the nose of this wine. Rich and full on the palate, with a velvety mouthfeel and slightly sweet hit on the finish. 135 cases. Overall score: A-

2002 Syrah "Lafond" $19.95. Very much on the ripe and plush side. Fruit forward, and a bit soft in mouthfeel, this wine is more about immediate gratification, than long term waiting. 30% new oak. 300 cases. Overall score: B+

Comments: Etienne Terlinden is the owner/winemaker of this label, in addition to his regular w/m duties at the Central Coast Wine Services custom crush facility. The Sauv Blanc here was my favorite over the Syrah - boy, that sounds weird, doesn't it?

Becky & David Corey

2002 Hardcore $21.49. This blend of Mourvedre, Grenache, and Cab Sauv has a lovely cassis, cola and clove scented nose, with lots of grip on the palate, and very long finish. Very nice now, and sure to improve. 135 cases. Overall score: A-

2002 Elevation Sensation $31.49. The blend of Mourvedre and Grenache screams Chateauneuf du Pape all the way, from its toasty meaty nose to it's smooth delicious fruit. Much more refined than the 'Hardcore,' here's a wine to sip and contemplate. 96 cases. Overall score: A-

Comments: first showing up on the radar at the 2003 Hospice du Rhone, owner/winemaker David Corey has a couple of solid offerings with Rhone-style blends from a 'far-out' vineyard source. David leases 17 acres in the Cuyama Valley - which is two ranges over from the SYV in the northern part of Santa Barbara County.

2002 Sangiovese "Stolpman Vineyard" $15.95. Ripe nose of dried cherry, with a touch of cinnamon and licorice. Chewy mouthfeel, excellent balance, very nice concentration, long tasty finish. 900 cases. Overall score: B+

Comments: brought to you by Sanford winemaker Bruno D'Alfonso, here's the Sangiovese that Itali-philes love to hate. Why? Because you don't NEED food to enjoy this wine. You just pull the plug, pour the contents, and enjoy!

Mark & Jason Drew

2003 Pinot Noir "Arita Hills" $27.95. The nose has a lovely floral almost apple blossom component, along with strawberry and cinnamon aromas. Beautiful balance, lots of red fruit and spice, and a long lingering finish. This bottling is from a vineyard off Santa Rosa Rd and is all Clone 667. Overall score: A-

2003 Syrah "Rodney's and Larner" $25.49. Gorgeous nose of vanilla, boysenberry and spice. Full mouthfeel, nice ripe flavors of dark fruit, touch of clove through the long tasty finish. 150 cases. Overall score: A-

2003 Syrah "Alisos Vineyard - Old Westy" $28.95. Beautiful nose of black fruit, with a hefty dose of spice and toast. Big and chewy mouthfeel, smooth, if a bit tight right now. Very good balance, and very long toasty finish. 75 cases. Overall score: A-

2003 Cabernet Franc "Vogelzang" $35.95. Lavender-scented nose of dark fruit, and a nice touch of herbs. Full mouthfeel, beautiful balance, very long fruity finish. 50 cases. Overall score: A-

Comments: Jason Drew made a very nice quartet of wines here. The Rodney's/Larner gets my nod from the group, and is one of my all-time favorite vineyard blends. The Rodney's brings a fatness to the wine, and the Larner's adds structure and spice. Very good last year - this year's rendition is even better.

2003 Pinot Noir "Rio Vista Vineyard" $25.95. Lush strawberry/cherry nose, with hints of dried cherry and spice. Moderate mouthfeel, bright, rich fruit, beautiful balance, long lingering finish. 200 cases. Overall score: A-

2003 Pinot Noir "Dierberg Vineyard" $27.95. Nose of dried strawberry and cinnamon, with a touch of clove. Moderate mouthfeel, bit of forest floor adds a nice herb touch to this wine. Long balanced finish. 225 cases. Overall score: A-

Comments: winemaker for Foley Vineyards, Norman Yost continues to make excellent Pinots for his own label. Both very good, I preferred the Rio Vista Vnyd (Santa Rita Hills) slightly more than the Dierberg Vnyd (Santa Maria Valley).

2002 Pinot Noir "Pommard Clone" $25.95. Lovely rich cherry/black cherry nose. Big mouthfeel, very nice balance, off-sweet finish. 400 cases. Overall score: A-

2002 Pinot Noir "Dijon Clone" $25.95. More complex nose of the two, with additional notes of herbs and bark. Sweet-sour fruit on the palate, with a crisper finish. 200 cases. Overall score: A-

Comments: I slightly preferred the Dijon Clone, just for the added complexities. But, the Pommard was no slouch at all!

2003 Chenin Blanc "Ernesto Wickenden Old Vines"$14.95. Beautiful floral scents to the light tropical fruit. Crisp and just slightly tart at mid-palate, excellent balance, sweetens up a bit on the very long finish. 950 cases. Overall score: B+

2002 Pinot Noir "Sea Smoke" $47.95. Very nice, dense dark fruit and lightly herbed aromas in the nose. Rich and full in mouthfeel, yet still looking for a focus right now. All the components seem to be there - the wine just appears to be slumbering. 240 cases. Overall score: B+

2002 Syrah "Tinaquaic - Dry Farmed" $23.95. Lots of blackberry, tar and herb aromas. Thick rich and chewy, with lots of dark fruit, smooth mouthfeel, and very long finish. Very nice! 150 cases. Overall score: A-

2002 Cabernet Franc "Tinaquaic - Dry Farmed" $27.95. Beautiful ripeness to this nose, wich seems to carry a slight chocolate and licorice scent as well. Big and rich on the palate, with long lingering finish. 175 cases. Overall score: A-

2002 Cabernet Sauvignon "Vogelzang" $31.95. Fabulous nose of cassis and black cherry, with touches of sage and lavender. Smooth and chewy, beautiful balance, very long finish. 50 cases. Overall score: A-

Comments: Bill Wathen and Dick Dore (aka the Foxen Boys) continue their string of 'oh yeah' wines. Bill has a deft touch with Pinot Noir (at least to my taste), so I suspect the Sea Smoke Pinot will be big and beautiful.

2002 Pinot Noir "Fiddlestix" $31.95. Spiced dark and bing cherry gets a lift from some nice forest and herb notes. Delicious on the palate, with tons of fruit, beautiful balance, and long finish. 100 cases. Overall score: A-

2002 Pinot Noir "Highliner" $31.95. A blend of vineyards. this bottling is smooth and succulent in nose and mouthfeel, and seems ready to go - right now! Balanced, delicious, and probably hard to keep your hands off. 350 cases. Overall score: A-

2002 Pinot Noir "Cargasacchi "$31.95.
Beautiful smoky nose of black cherry, dark olive and spice. Full, smooth and rich on the palate, excellent balance, long luxurious finish. 100 cases. Overall score: A-

2002 Syrah "Purisima Mountain" $23.95. Rich, balanced nose and mouth, with lots of plush black cherry and spice, and long toasty finish. 250 cases. Overall score: A-

Comments: what an embarrassment of riches! This year, Gray Hartley and Frank Ostini have knocked out 3 delicious Pinots, as well as an excellent Syrah. For me, the Cargasacchi just noses out the Fiddlestix as my fav. Although, for drinking right now, you can't beat the Highliner.

2003 Petite Sirah "Thompson Vineyard" $21.95. Round, smooth and darker than a black cat in a coal mine, this wine ought to be all about knocking your legs out from under you. Instead, it's about tons of sweet blackberry and licorice in the nose and mouth, supplemented by a touch of nutmeg and clove. Seamless and luscious, it ought to be called Voluptuous Sirah. 75 cases. Overall score: A-

2003 Syrah "Larner Vineyard" $27.95. Coffee and espresso scented nose, with blackberry and licorice aromas and flavors. The nose has an interesting spice/herb component that give it a French scent. Oui! 100 cases. Overall score: A-

2002 Syrah "Melville Vineyard" $30.95.
Massive blackberry and blueberry fruit dominate here, with added spices and lighter vanilla component. Smooth and delicious, there is perfect ripeness in this fruit, which just keeps pumping through the very long finish. 300 cases. Overall score: A-

Comments: yet another beautiful job by Craig Jaffurs. The Melville gets my nod here, but the Larner is beautiful. The Petite? It's a misnomer.

2002 Syrah "Larner and Stolpman" $29.95
Lovely spiced blackberry/blueberry nose, with a touch of licorice and tar. Full mouthfeel, licorice accents, long tasty finish. A 50/50 blend of vineyards, this wine lives up to its name - sweet and slightly toasty. 50 cases. Overall score: B+

Comments: this just has to be Jim Knight's best Syrah so far.

2003 Syrah "Lafond" $22.49.
Beautiful nose of sweet dark fruit, with a nice floral accent, toasted spices, and a touch of lavender. Full and rich on the palate, with lots of off-sweet fruit, nearly perfect balance, and very tasty long finish. Very seductive! 250 cases. Overall score: A-

2003 Syrah "Evans Ranch" $22.49.
The fruit is from a property further west of the Lafond Vnyd in the Santa Rita Hills, and the differences stand out. Classically styled, this wine shows more of the tarry, licorice, and dried herb qualities in the nose. This, and the coffee/espresso aromas seem to give this a more "French" profile. Off-sweet mouthfeel, excellent balance and very long finish. 300 cases. Overall score: A-

Comments: this joint venture from Kenneth Gummere (Lafond) & Wendy and Mark Horvath (Babcock) is on a roll. Each vintage seems better than the last - though that seems hardly possible. Although both of these offerings were fabulous - I slightly preferred the Lafond for the floral accents in the nose.

2003 Viognier "Stolpman Vnyd" $22.49. Quite nice floral and white peach tones in the nose. Full and rich on the palate, the balance is very good, with a long lightly sweet bite at the finish. 125 cases. Overall score: B+

2002 Syrah/Viognier "Bien Nacido - Block Z" $39.95. Lovely blackberry with a chocolate edge and just a touch of floral qualities in both nose and mouth. Excellent balance here, with a slightly hi-toned quality to the beautiful finish. 90 cases. Overall score: A-

Comments: Seth Kunin continues to explore the vineyards of SBC. The Syrah/Viognier here is remarkable.

Ethan & Trish Lindquist

2002 Syrah "Purisima Vnyd" $22.95
Big effusive nose of blackberry, with light touches of spice, tar, and licorice. excellent balance, and long smooth finish. 100 cases. Overall score: B+

Comments: it looks like the next generation of winemakers for the Lindquist family is secured. Ethan has done a beautiful job with this Syrah - of course, good fruit never hurts! Ethan has 15 rows on the hillside in the Purisima Vnyd, impeccably farmed by Steve Beckmen.

2002 Pinot Noir "Sanford & Benedict" $29.49. Nose of bing and black cherry fruit, with a touch of vanilla and some herbs. Lots of slightly sweet fruit on the palate, with long seductive finish. 165 cases. Overall score: A-

2002 Pinot Noir "Fe Ciega" $29.95. From Rick's own vineyard, the nose is more black cherry scented, with interesting floral and herb components. Nearly creamy in texture, this wine has fabulous balance and long smooth finish. 440 cases. Overall score: A-

Comments: Rick Longoria has done a superb job with both of these Pinots. It was tough picking a favorite here, but I slightly preferred the Fe Ciega for its texture and balance.

2003 Pinot Noir "Au Bon Climat" $15.95. Nose of strawberry and bing cherry. Moderate in mouthfeel, with very good balance and nice long finish. 200 cases. Overall score:

Comments: here's a nice little Pinot from the negotiant arm of Wine Cask's Margerum Wine Company.

2003 Sauvignon Blanc "Volgelzang" $19.95. Opaque in color, with a lovely sweeted grapefruit and light tropical scent in the nose. Fabulous balance, slightly sweet at the very long finish. 75 cases. Overall score: B+

2003 M5 $19.95. Floral and meaty nose, with plenty of red and black fruit, and a nice spicy quality. Full, if slightly soft on the palate, with excellent balance and long finish. Blend of Syrah, Grenache, Mourvedre, Counoise, and Cinsault. 550 cases. Overall score: A-

2003 Syrah "Alondra de Los Prados Vineyard" $31.95. Another killer wine from the 'odd couple' - Syrah and Chardonnay (plus a bit of Viognier). I can't imagine what each of these varietals individually brings to the table, but the sum of its parts is gorgeous. Floral scented, rich and full on the palate, with nice chewy texture, spicy clove-infused flavor and long tasty finish. 100 cases. Overall score: A-

Comments: I liked this M5 better than last year's version. I always think of the British Secret Service when I hear this name - M5. Where's it come from? Well, the '5' is from 5 Rhone varietals. The 'M'? ...aw, come on, you're kidding.

Chad and Brent Melville

2002 Pinot Noir "Mount Eden Clone" $28.95. Beautiful floral scented strawberry and candied cherry nose, with just a touch of vanilla. Full, rich and tasty, with excellent balance and very long finish. 25 cases. Overall score: A-

2003 Syrah "Verna's Clone 383" $23.95. 'Bacon, bacon, bacon' should have been the name of this clone. Effusive with bacon and meaty components, this is the Melville's first release from their Cat Canyon property, near Los Alamos. Thick rich and chewy on the palate, excellent balance and long finish. All I can say is - if this offering is a preview of what's to come from this vineyard, whoa Nelly! 25 cases. Overall score: A-

Comments: Pinot...Syrah...Syrah...Pinot take your pick - you just can't go wrong here. Both of these wines were impressive.

Chrystal & Steve Clifton

2002 Barbera "Alisos Cyn Vnyd" $15.95. Beautiful smoky nose, with notes of spice and dried beef. Huge on fruit, yet very smooth and well balanced, with delicious long finish. 50 cases. Overall score: A-

2002 "Savoie" $31.95. So, what DO you get when blend Barbera, Nebbiolo, and Syrah, then age it in Slovenian oak? You get BIG. HUGE! Smoky and meaty in texture, this wine is massively framed, loaded with fruit, yet surprisingly well balanced. This certainly ought to go well with big cheeses and grilled meats. 25 cases. Overall score: A-

Comments: Steve Clifton has done a fine job getting both of these big wines into all of those little bottles!

2002 Roussanne "Bien Nacido - Tablas Clone" $19.95. Beautiful toasty fruit in the nose. Excellent balance and texture on the palate, and long tasty finish. Really nice stuff! 140 cases. Overall score: A-

2002 Chardonnay "Bien Nacido - Block 11" $19.95. Gorgeous lightly floral and apple scented nose. Crisp and full on the palate, with excellent balance, and crisp long finish. This wine will make you LIKE Chardonnay. 1300 cases. Overall score: A-

2002 Syrah "Purisima Mtn Vineyard" $27.95. Nose of sweet blackberry and blueberry, with just a touch of vanilla and licorice. 2/3 new French oak. Very nice mouthfeel, excellent balance, long tasty finish. 95 cases. Overall score: A-

2002 Syrah "Bien Nacido Hillside Estate" $31.95. Loads of coffee and espresso accent the blackberry, tar and licorice in the nose. Big mouthfeel, with lots of tasty dark fruit, and very long finish. 60% new oak. 1000 cases. Overall score: A-

Comments: these are undoubtedly the best wines I've ever tasted from Qupe - the whites were fabulous, and the Syrahs were excellent.

2003 Sauvignon Blanc $11.95. Lightly grapefruit scented, with aromas of toast fresh-cut flowers. Crisp and light on the palate initially, the wine gains weight at mid-palate yet stays crisp and tasty. 430 cases. Overall score: A-

2002 "Anacapa" $27.95. This gorgeous Bordeaux blend delivers beautiful seamless fruit in both nose and mouth, with lots of cassis, black cherry and clove spice. 60% Cab Franc, 35% Merlot and 5% Cab Sauv. 250 cases. Overall score: A-

2002 Pinot Noir "Reserve " $25.95. Gorgeous clove-scented black cherry in the nose. Rich, extremely well balanced, lots of fruit, velvety long finish. 90% Fiddlestix; 10% Huber. 250 cases. Overall score: A-

Comments: winemaker John Falcone has done an exceptional job with this property, overseeing a program that has produced new vineyards and excellent wines.

2002 Pinot Noir "Sanford & Benedict Vineyard" $44.95. Slightly restrained nose of bing and black cherry, along with a bit of forest floor. Nice mouthfeel, very tasty fruit, long seamless finish. 1300 cases. Overall score: B+

2002 Pinot Noir "La Rinconada Vineyard" $53.95. Big and dense in the nose, with aromas of black cherry, toast, and spice. full and rich on the palate, lots of tasty dark fruit, very nice balance, with just a bit of oak showing on the finish. 1300 cases. Overall score: A-

Comments: Bruno D'Alfonso scores again with these two Pinots.

2002 Pinot Noir "Botella" $20.95. Nose of cherry and black cherry fruit, with a touch of cola. Moderate mouthfeel, very nice balance, lots of bing and black cherry flavors, and a long finish. Overall score: B+

2002 Pinot Noir "Southing" $36.95. Lovely nose of dark fruit, floral components, and herbs. Full and rich on the palate, with lots of sweet/sour fruit, excellent balance, and very long finish. Overall score: A-

2002 Pinot Noir "Ten" $51.95. Big effusive nose of black cherry, toast, spice, and a touch of forest floor. Filled with fruit, toast, and spices, excellent balance, very long seamless finish. Overall score: A-

Comments: following up with last year's success, Sea Smoke now has added a top-of-the-line "Ten" bottling.

2003 Sauvignon Blanc "Estate" $19.95. Nose of sweet grapefruit, touch of apple and pear. Rich on the palate, with flavors of spiced apple and pear, with a bit of pie crust. Very nice! 275 cases. Overall score: A-

Comments: this Sauv Blanc comes from a beautiful piece of property out in Happy Cyn.

Peter Hunken

2003 L'Avion $17.95. Beautiful rich toasty nose of white fruits and pie crust, with the added touch of floral scents. Seamless and rich in mouthfeel, the wine is almost creamy on the palate, and through it's very long finish. Mostly Roussanne, with about 5% Viognier and Sauvignon Blanc. 450 cases. Overall score: A-

2003 "La Croce" $35.95. Beautiful floral quality to the red and black fruit in this nose. But, as good as the nose is, the mouthfeel is even better. Loaded with fruit, extremely well balanced, and flat-out delicious, with a long seamless finish. 50% Syrah and 50% Sangiovese. 275 cases. Overall score: A

2003 "Angeli" $35.95. Toasty blackberry nose, with just a touch of licorice and chocolate. Full and rich on the palate, with lots of dark fruit and a chocolate-edged finish. Smooth, seductive and 100% Syrah. 300 cases. Overall score: A-

Comments: here's fabulous trio of wines from winemaker Sashi Moorman, who has put amazing balance back into these wines.

2003 Syrah "Purisima Clone 99" $23.95. Loads of blackberry and pie crust in the nose. Big and chewy mouthfeel, with nicely balanced fruit, and a long finish. The neutral oak on this wine allows the fruit to really shine. 200 cases. Overall score: A-

2002 Syrah "Colson Canyon Vineyard" $23.95. Lots of coffee and espresso mingle with the dark fruit in the nose. More dense and briary than the Purisima, licorice and sage blend with the blackberry throughout the long finish. 40% new oak. 350 cases. Overall score: A-

2002 "OGT" Syrah $47.95. The biggest wine of the lineup, this is a blend made from Colson, Purisima, and Thompson fruit. It's intense, it's chewy, and it's in your face! 24 cases (magnums). Overall score: A-

Comments: Joey Tensley has produced an interesting trio of Syrahs here, which seem to go from big, to bigger, to biggest.

2003 Albarino "Ibarra Young Vnyd" $12.95. Absolutely beautiful nose of pear and apple, with just a hint of fig and pie crust. Nice and crisp on the palate, perfectly balanced, very long finish. 90% SS fermented - 100% Lovely! 250 cases. Overall score: A-

2002 Tempranillo/Syrah/Grenache $15.95. Smoky and meaty, with dried cherry, and touches of leather and herb. Full mouthfeel, very good balance, and very long finish. Mostly Tempranillo, with Syrah (17%), Grenache (16%). 280 cases. Overall score: B+

Comments: Bob and Louisa Lindquist are making some beautiful wines for this joint label. These are the best yet.

2002 "W" Estate $25.49. Rich cassis and plum in the nose, with a trace of herb and violet. Full mouthfeel, with lots of chewy fruit, very good balance, and long tasty finish. Cabernet Franc (55%), Merlot (45%). 275 cases. Overall score: B+

Comments: Located out in the Happy Cyn area of the SYV, the Westerly Vineyard has been the source of some fabulous Bordeaux varietal blends.

2003 Roussanne $14.95. nice and toasty in the nose and mouth, with plenty of fruit, excellent balance, and very long finish. 984 cases. Overall score: B+

2002 Mourvèdre $19.95. Nose of black fruit and red meat, with a touch of sage. Chewy and tasty mouthfeel, with meat juices, black and red fruit, and a nice herbed touch. Nice balance and a very long finish. 242 cases. Overall score: A-

Comments: another stunning Mourvedre from Clay Brock. The Roussanne is killer as well.

Unable to taste and review:

AU BON CLIMAT: pouring 6 wines
BRANDER: pouring 2 wines
CARLSON: pouring 1 wine
Cold Heaven: pouring 3 wines
COSTA DE ORO: pouring 1 wine
CURRAN: pouring 2wines
CURTIS: pouring 2 wines
DUENDE: pouring 2wines
DUO: pouring 2 wines
ANDREW MURRAY: pouring 2 wines
OJAI: pouring 7 wines
TAZ: pouring 2 wines
VITA NOVA: pouring 1 wine