WTN: 2006 Gonon Saint Joseph and 2007 Rancho Bodega

We had a wine party Saturday night, and the Gonon seemed to be a group favorite. I certainly enjoyed it. Deicious earthy red plum fruit with savory, meaty elements. Palate cleaning acidity. As with the Morgon posted under the Beaujolais focus, this was a very warm and lovely wine.

Proving that not all California Syrah is blueberry juice, the 2007 Rancho Bodega, made by a new winery project from grapes from the purportedly coldest Syrah vineyard in the state, was a bracing, delicious cold climate syrah with wonderful high tone acid, delicious red fruit, meaty/savory elements, even some herbaceousness. Delicious!

We had a wine party Saturday night, and the Gonon seemed to be a group favorite. I certainly enjoyed it. Deicious earthy red plum fruit with savory, meaty elements. Palate cleaning acidity. As with the Morgon posted under the Beaujolais focus, this was a very warm and lovely wine.

Good to hear about this wine, Brian: I've got some in the cellar. How do you feel about its level of development right now? I'd expect that it's still a baby. Good to hear about Rancho Bodega, too, as I'm always interested in non-goopy CA Syrah.

Mark Lipton

Probably still a baby. I wouldn't say it is closed down at all....and by california standards it does not seem particularly "primary" or fruit-driven (as it shouldn't I suppose). I have to admit one flaw in my buying pattern is to buy a lot of singletons...and I am too impatient to wait...especially for Saint Joseph Syrahs.