- 2005 Big Basin Vineyards Syrah Fairview Ranch - USA, California, Central Coast, Santa Lucia Highlands (12/5/2007)
Okay. So I am not a big SLH fan when it comes to Pinot but I seem to enjoy the Syrahs. And when it comes to this vineyard seem to enjoy both. Eno makes a killer pinot...Alesia makes a killer syrah ... and now I tried this. Wow. This is awesome. The wine is slightly reduced at this stage so it needs a little air... but the reduction does not get in the way if you just want to pop and pour. Aromatics of bunches of blue fruits, white pepper and forest. The flavors have big fruit along with a woodsy spice. The acid shows very juicy and balanced. Clean and somewhat sweet but not cloying. FAIRVIEW RANCH ROCKS! (94 pts.) - 2004 Loring Wine Company Pinot Noir Clos Pepe Vineyard - USA, California, Central Coast, Santa Rita Hills (12/3/2007)
Aromatics are smoky, fruity and somewhat simple. A joy to smell but not going to challenge your brain. Burst of flavors. Toasty fruit. Middle finish with a touch of blueberries. Not a lot of complexity. Just enough acidity to keep the finish together. Finish goes on nicely. But the heat is intrusive. The alchohol is present is present but the wine is kept at a cool and the food is not spicy it is not a problem. The key is to have a mild non spicy meal ... or serve as a cocktail. The payoff is in the middle burst of fruit. (91 pts.)
Two very nice wines...a good week indeed.
Cheers,
Jason