WTN: An ESJ turns 8

Betsy had an evening rehearsal for the continuo part in an upcoming opera. I was alone for dinner, with leftover pot roast, salad, and the 2001 Edmunds St. John "Los Robles Viejos" (Rozet Vineyard, Paso Robles). Nose of earth and black fruit, on the palate there's a line of acidity keeping it fresh, and the fruit comes in as a mixture of black and red. I spend some time looking to see if one of the varieties (blend of Grenache, Mourvedre, Syrah,and Counoise), but it's more a seamless blend of warm fruit. With air I tell myself I can spot the Mourvedre influence in the earthy/leathery notes, but of course I know it's in the blend. This isn't a jam session with each player taking turns,but a chamber group working at a unified sound. Really a lovely wine, like a top flight Gigondas or Vacqueyras with a California tan. A-

Grade disclaimer: I'm a very easy grader, basically A is an excellent wine, B a good wine, C mediocre. Anything below C means I wouldn't drink at a party where it was only choice. Furthermore, I offer no promises of objectivity, accuracy, and certainly not of consistency.  

I bought a case of this in 2004 and can say that I regret not buying 2 cases. I last opened a bottle in December and it was lovely. I have four bottles left and will weep when the last one is gone.

At least I have some 2003 Shell and Bone to console myself with.

Betsy had an evening rehearsal for the continuo part in an upcoming opera. I was alone for dinner, with leftover pot roast, salad, and the 2001 Edmunds St. John "Los Robles Viejos" (Rozet Vineyard, Paso Robles). Nose of earth and black fruit, on the palate there's a line of acidity keeping it fresh, and the fruit comes in as a mixture of black and red. I spend some time looking to see if one of the varieties (blend of Grenache, Mourvedre, Syrah,and Counoise), but it's more a seamless blend of warm fruit. With air I tell myself I can spot the Mourvedre influence in the earthy/leathery notes, but of course I know it's in the blend. This isn't a jam session with each player taking turns,but a chamber group working at a unified sound. Really a lovely wine, like a top flight Gigondas or Vacqueyras with a California tan. A-

Glad to see that this wine is still doing well, Dale. Guess I shouldn't be too surprised....given Steve's track record.
The Rozet vnyd was going downhill and Steve eventually dropped them from his sources. The owner died and it was sold. It is now owned by
DerbyVnyds and making very good wine again under that label.TiffineyVierra is the winemaker and knows what she's doing. They also own a vnyd
way over by SanSimeon, called Derbyshire, very cold-climate, that makes good wines.
Tom

Yes, I remember this was really singing well a few years ago but I can imagine the extra age is adding even more harmony. If it is possible to add harmony.