2005 Tobin James, James Gang Reserve, Paso Robles, Refosco. Grapes come from two small vineyards in the area.
The color was as close to black as I have ever seen in a wine. This was not ominous; after five years there was still a lot of both red and black fruit on the nose and upfront. There was plenty of more fruit to complete the balance in the middle, along with just the right amount of acid and ph. The tannin was a smooth as the proverbial baby’s bum. The finish rang 5 bells before we stopped counting.
We matched it with lamb leg steaks that were marinated in our mint-lemon-EVOO mayonnaise; roasted baby Yukons; and a bowlful of our own Summer Golds with chopped basil leaves and a little vinaigrette.