WTN: L. A. Cetto Petite Sirah 2008

Guadalupe Valley, Baja California

Purple in the glass.

Spicy, tangy nose.

Black cherry, smoky, rich, medium weight, good mouthfeel, juicy, frit forward, tarry, spicy.

Mouthwatering, tangy on the finish.

A simple, gulpable, easy-drinking wine.

Served well chilled.

Purchased at $11.95 (Canadian).

Sounds like an excellent buy Bruce. Any idea how this years vintage in ONT is looking?

I haven't heard anything about this year, Bob. I would think that Paul B. and-or Howie would have info on that.

[Jenise]

Years ago, I had the PS and thought it quite tasty, all things considered. So a few months ago when I saw the 2006 reserve cabernet in California (for a whopping $16 shelf price), I bit, and last weekend I served it to wine friends while we were playing bocce. I threatened that they wouldn't get the next wine unless they guessed what they were drinking. Of course they didn't nor did I hold them to it, but the best guess was California tempranillo. Not because we know what Califiornia tempranillo tastes like, but quite reasonable based on warm climate characteristics and lots of vanilla and spice. Worth $16 for the fun but otherwise, stick with the PS.

I also bought a bottle of the Zinfandel, just to see what Zin from Mexico is like. Haven't pulled the cork on that yet.

I was really impressed with their Nebbiolo

I haven't heard anything about this year, Bob. I would think that Paul B. and-or Howie would have info on that.

I expect the 2010 reds to be very fine across the board - though so far I have only tried one.

2011, it's a bit early to call ... we had a spring that was delayed by about a month, but summer has been playing major catch-up since. It's dry and very hot. If this holds through to the end of August, we might have some stunning reds, yet again.

All that being said, I have greatly enjoyed the local white wines from the cooler years - 2008, 2009.