Porter Creek 1997 Syrah Timbervine Ranch (Russian River Valley) 14.6%. The black raspberry and blackberry fruit is rough, fulsome, and still seems primary. Its also hard to enjoy, because the tannin very nearly obliterates it; a mix of hard and leathery chew, bludgeoning all else. Theres acidity, but it hardly mattersthis wine has fallen victim to an overabundance of dry bitterness, and while the fruit itself probably has years to go (its certainly not showing much tertiary character), the wine itself will never make itunless one sucks on tea bags for fun. (7/09)
Tablas Creek 2005 Mourvdre (Paso Robles) A fruit bomb, but a sufficiently structured one. A dark stew of fruit is lent a little leather and earthen blackness by the grape, and its an extremely enjoyable wine, but this is really very primary still. It would seem to have to stuffing to age, but I dont really know for sure. (7/09)
Tablas Creek 2006 Ctes de Tablas Red (Paso Robles) Though its no longer the bargain it once was, and theres a good argument to be made that its not really worth the premium over similarly-styled Ctes-du-Rhne, its hard to deny the persistent quality and drinkability of this wine, which varies in complexity but gains a bit more polish with every passing year. All the purple, blue, red, and black fruits one could wish for, alongside earth and herb, and finishing with a pepper-dust grace note, yet smooth, round, and always ready with an extended, welcoming approachability. Californian, for sure, but neither brawny nor explosivewhether this is French-influenced winemaking or just an in-house preference doesnt much matter; the wine is what it is. Very consistent, solid wine, and an easy case purchase for anyone interested in a wine on which they can rely. (7/09)
Tablas Creek 2006 Roussanne (Paso Robles) Wax, ripe stone fruit, coppered cashews, and surprising balance; the usual fat and alcohol-tinged headiness is well-countered by fair acidity and a certain deftness of fruit. I suspect that this could age, and Ive no reason to doubt it based on the raw materials at hand, but its quite approachable now. (7/09)
Rogue St. Rogue Red Ale (Oregon) Somewhat overcome by bitterness, but aggressively flavorful, albeit slightly metallic. Some might like this. Its a little much for me. (7/09)
Tablas Creek 2005 Mourvdre (Paso Robles) A fruit bomb, but a sufficiently structured one. A dark stew of fruit is lent a little leather and earthen blackness by the grape, and its an extremely enjoyable wine, but this is really very primary still. It would seem to have to stuffing to age, but I dont really know for sure. (7/09)
Tablas Creek 2006 Ctes de Tablas Red (Paso Robles) Though its no longer the bargain it once was, and theres a good argument to be made that its not really worth the premium over similarly-styled Ctes-du-Rhne, its hard to deny the persistent quality and drinkability of this wine, which varies in complexity but gains a bit more polish with every passing year. All the purple, blue, red, and black fruits one could wish for, alongside earth and herb, and finishing with a pepper-dust grace note, yet smooth, round, and always ready with an extended, welcoming approachability. Californian, for sure, but neither brawny nor explosivewhether this is French-influenced winemaking or just an in-house preference doesnt much matter; the wine is what it is. Very consistent, solid wine, and an easy case purchase for anyone interested in a wine on which they can rely. (7/09)
Tablas Creek 2006 Roussanne (Paso Robles) Wax, ripe stone fruit, coppered cashews, and surprising balance; the usual fat and alcohol-tinged headiness is well-countered by fair acidity and a certain deftness of fruit. I suspect that this could age, and Ive no reason to doubt it based on the raw materials at hand, but its quite approachable now. (7/09)
Rogue St. Rogue Red Ale (Oregon) Somewhat overcome by bitterness, but aggressively flavorful, albeit slightly metallic. Some might like this. Its a little much for me. (7/09)