Wine Reviews By uselesscamper
2 wines
uselesscamper
reviewed
Andrew Murray Vineyards Santa Ynez Valley Watch Hill Vineyard 2006
Sigh...just another 90pt. Syrah from AM...
The Watch Hill Vineyard lies in the cool reaches of the Los Alamos Valley, a region that deserves its own AVA because of the uniqueness of its soils and climate. The grapes are allowed to reach very high maturity levels, while retaining a stunning natural acidity due to warm, sunny days and cool nights and soils rich in sand an calcareous material. This results in a very full-bodied syrah that is refreshing, rather than heavy or cloying. The aromas and flavors lean toward bright red fruits…cherries, raspberries, currants, and cranberries, with a spicy note dominated by fresh black pepper and a dose of sweet French Oak. This wine is quite drinkable now, but you will be rewarded if you wait 2-5 years to drink this one.
Only 450 cases produced. Rated 90pts by Wine Advocate.
A friend brought over a bottle and we were quite surprised. 100% Petit Verdot is hard to find, especially at $10, and it's always fun to try something out of the ordinary.
I liked this wine, it has some good acidity which will help it pair with a wide range of food. It exhibits some exotic floral and spicy notes, less tannic than expected but the acidity helps with the structure. Juicy dark plum and blackberry flavors.
This was produced for TJ's by Ancient Peaks Winery in Paso Robles.
Give it a try, you might be surprised and discovery a new Saturday bar-b-que wine. October 11, 2008