) over the hills and valleys to Sonoma County. I quite enjoyed the reds I tasted at Imagery.
2003 Imagery Sunny Slopes Cabernet Sauvignon. While I am withholding judgement on the Merlot from this vineyard, located on Highway 12 right outside the front door, this cab was singing today. Smooth, well-integrated tannins. Only 18 months in oak, so no nasty vanilla or caramel! Nice black fruit AND red fruit with a lot going on, including some good earthyness and even savory notes already showing. This showed better than the family's Benziger Tribute from 2002.
2004 Dragon's Breath. An under the counter wine not even on the list, this Grenache and Syrah blend was like a blast from Cote du Rhones. Very savory and earthy and peppery, with nice bright berry fruit. A little short on the finish, but otherwise very nice. 16/20
2004 Pallas-Their premier Bordeaux blend, this was a very nice and smooth combination of Cabernet and MALBEC. The Malbec added an itneresting purple berry note to the very smooth and elegant Cabernet structure. Not sure said structure is firm enough to warrant cellaring, but this wine was quite nice right now. 17/20
2005 Viognier. This is the second try, and I liked it better today-a very distinct savory finish combined with some bracing acidity. Only complaint may be that the fruit is a little shy, but the other elements are quite appealing. 15/20