TN:2004 Lucia Syrah Susan's Hill

USA, California, Central Coast, Santa Lucia Highlands

With the new mailer on my doorstep I just could not resist trying this.

The color is inky garnet, bulls blood comes to mind. The nose shows a fragrant assortment dark fruits and an underlying white pepper component that I like a lot. The palate has it all and then some; still warm blueberry pie, dark boysenberry, dark blackberries, vanilla, earth, white pepper, wild flowers and some great smooth spiciness. It is a smorgasbord of flavors. The tannins are nicely laid out all in a row, and the acid is present but compliments the whole package. The finish is a minute plus! The fruit bowl of persistence. Sounds like a Dali painting. Artwork non-the-less. Very different than the Garys Vnyd. Tamer and more refined. WOW

93/100

TN: 2003 Sbragia Family Cabernet Sauvignon Andolsen Vineyard Dry Creek Valley

I had gone to one of my favorite haunts today to pick-up 7 - 2002 Kuleto Estate Cabs, plus some NV Auction wines awaiting me. I eyed the New Sbragia line-up of Cabs; Monte Rosso Sonoma Valley, Rancho del Oso Howell Mountain , and this one; Andolsen Vineyard Dry Creek Valley. All from 2003. A vintage I have been avoiding, but for $26...what the hay.

Super dark purple tinged edges. Beautiful floral nose with currants, blackberries, and Cherries. The palate revealed a very lush sweet styled cab. One I would not expect from the vintage. There was amazing sour cherries, currants, and sweet young blackberries as well as some tar, slight anise, and sour cherries. (didn't I say that already?). A solid core of pure Sbragia Cabernet. There was a moderatly long finish that kept the fruit going for 45 seconds (sour cherry and currant). I loved the balance of fruits and deft acid level. The firm tannins were in check, but hanging in the background. Wow. This guy is an artist!!

This is one fantasic wine for $26. Drinks like $50. I will try the others soon.

Life is great. Happy 4th!!!!