Both of these notes are impressions from a recent store tasting. Both bottles had been open, but not decanted, for approximately 90 minutes.
TN: 2002 Foley (Estate) Syrah, Santa Rita Hills, Ranch Santa Rosa
Just a bit of black fruit on the nose and palate. It is either completely closed down or there just isn't much going on here. Rather simple and one dimensional (I'm being generous). Someone remarked that: "it just lays there on your palate and doesn't do very much. Sort of like a $5 hooker". I guess that pretty much sums it up. Not flawed nor poorly made, but just nothing there to hold my interest for very long. Not recommended, especially at the $29.98 price point.
2003 Septima Malbec
I don't have much experience with Malbec, but I was impressed with this wine. If I had tasted this blind I'm not sure what I would have guessed, but it probably would have been Tempriillo from Spain. The Malbec had nice extraction, with decent fruit levels, mildly oaked, and enough tannic structure to hold everything together. A very nice table wine when you're looking for a change of pace. Priced at $9.98
Redwinger