Review: **** $$$$ Ojai Vineyard Thompson Vineyard Syrah, Santa Barbara County, California, 2007

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By way of background, opening thoughts: Ojai Vineyard creates a range of boutique wines from the Santa Barbara County.  Today we are sampling a well-aged syrah.

Original tasting and review : This is Ojai Vineyard Thompson Vineyard Syrah, Santa Barbara County, California, 2007, finished at 14.5% alcohol.

In the glass: Deep magenta and burgundy, opaque from a half-inch in.

On the nose: Poured at cool cellar temperature and swirled vigorously, shows deep, yet shy fragrant black plums.  From the aroma, seems like this will be sweet but structured.  

On the palate: The primary elements on the palate are in fact full of deep, mellow, structured mouthfeel, bringing elements of cigar, black plums, prunes and oak structure together.

In summary: Overall, its structure, power and depth bring four stars on the five-star Spirit of Wine scale, showing value commensurate with its premium price point.

Check out today's pricing and retail availability for Ojai Vineyard Thompson Vineyard Syrah.

(c) Copyright 2011 Spirit of Wine, all rights reserved.  If you are a winery, distributor or marketing agent and you would like to see your (or your client's) wine featured at Spirit of Wine, here are two options: 1) Wait, pray and hope - we may find you someday; 2) Submit a wine for review.  No charge.  Particulars are here.   If you are reading this full posting on any site other than Spirit of Wine, chances are it is a copyright violation.

Review: ***+ $$ Fess Parker Chardonnay, Santa Barbara County, 2011 = GOOD VALUE

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Original tasting and review : This is Fess Parker Chardonnay, Santa Barbara County, 2011, finished at 14.1% alcohol.

In the glass: Very pale yellow with golden hints.

On the nose: Poured at cool cellar temperature and swirled vigorously, shows bamboo lemon grass on the nose.  From the aroma, seems like this will be lithe, sweet and gentle.

On the palate: The primary elements on the palate are in fact rounder and creamier than anticipated, with fresh melon, toasted bagel, cream and gentle butterscotch elements.  Big, fresh, bold and lingering.

In summary: Overall, rates three stars with a big plus on the five-star Spirit of Wine scale, garnering a good value status.

Check out today's pricing and retail availability for Fess Parker Chardonnay.

(c) Copyright 2011 Spirit of Wine, all rights reserved.  If you are a winery, distributor or marketing agent and you would like to see your (or your client's) wine featured at Spirit of Wine, here are two options: 1) Wait, pray and hope - we may find you someday; 2) Submit a wine for review.  No charge.  Particulars are here.   If you are reading this full posting on any site other than Spirit of Wine, chances are it is a copyright violation.

Review: *** $ Babble Red Wine, Mendocino County, California, 2010 = BEST VALUE

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Original tasting and review : This is Babble Red Wine, Mendocino County, California, 2010, finished at 13.7% alcohol.

In the glass: Medium deep red, with brick highlights.

On the nose: Poured at room temperature and swirled vigorously, shows plumy, generic merlot overtones.  From the aroma, seems like this will be simple, even if perhaps rich.

On the palate: The primary elements on the palate are in fact showing a bit more heft and body than anticipated, with rich black plum supported by some vanilla and oak.

In summary: Overall, just manages to touch three stars and become a best value on the five-star Spirit of Wine scale.

Check out today's pricing and retail availability for bargain Mendocino red wine.

(c) Copyright 2011 Spirit of Wine, all rights reserved.  If you are a winery, distributor or marketing agent and you would like to see your (or your client's) wine featured at Spirit of Wine, here are two options: 1) Wait, pray and hope - we may find you someday; 2) Submit a wine for review.  No charge.  Particulars are here.   If you are reading this full posting on any site other than Spirit of Wine, chances are it is a copyright violation.

Review: **** $ Columbia Crest Grand Estates Amitage Red Blend, Columbia Valley, Washington, 2009 = BEST VALUE

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Original tasting and review : This is Columbia Crest Grand Estates Amitage Red Blend, Columbia Valley, Washington, 2009, finished at 13.5% alcohol.

In the glass: Dark ruby red, opaque in the center.

On the nose: Poured at cool cellar temperature and swirled vigorously, shows light and shy blackberry.  From the aroma, seems like this will be bright, dark and tangy.

On the palate: The primary elements on the palate are in fact lush, deep, velvet-cloaked black fruit, very clean and lithe.  The finish is supported by apparent but sleek tannins.

In summary: Overall, rates four stars on the five-star Spirit of Wine scale, an awesome value at this bargain price.

Check out today's pricing and retail availability for Columbia Crest Amitage.

(c) Copyright 2011 Spirit of Wine, all rights reserved.  If you are a winery, distributor or marketing agent and you would like to see your (or your client's) wine featured at Spirit of Wine, here are two options: 1) Wait, pray and hope - we may find you someday; 2) Submit a wine for review.  No charge.  Particulars are here.   If you are reading this full posting on any site other than Spirit of Wine, chances are it is a copyright violation.