2005 Radio-Coteau Syrah Las Colinas - USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Coast (5/11/2008)
Initially this wine showed nothing. Seemed like a completely closed syrah but after about 3 hours it started to wake up. A shame to drink this so young but it was here and I grabbed it. With time it showed what great things can happen with syrah in California. Right in the middle I got a nice shot of red cherry fruit but it was perfectly subtle. Very pure stuff. Wait 3-5 years. (92 pts.)
2003 The Standish Wine Company Shiraz The Standish - Australia, South Australia, Barossa, Barossa Valley (5/7/2008)
The wine is still so dark. Looks even younger than a 2003. The aromatics are not overly interesting. Ripe citrus fruit and asphalt. It hits the palate hard and heavy. Shows you everything. This is overly ripe for my tastes. Still it is not prune juice but it is port like. The wine works because there is nice acid and enough tannin to hold it together. Great for one glass but after that you need a break. (90 pts.)