Barry Collier has created a paradise for his grapes above the Dry Creek Valley. If you were a grape, you would want to be planted under his care. The hillside vineyards are steep and the views are incredible. The highest points are above the fog line, where the grapes benefit from a bigger bath of [...]

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Bogle Vineyards, California, Petite Sirah 2006
With notes back to 2001 this wine has been a favorite for showing some tannin in an affordable package. The prices has been steady as well. The ‘06 sports sweet smells of vanilla and cinnamon while the mouth shows berry fruit, accented by the oak on a tannic frame. The [...]

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Ceretto, Langhe, Arneis DOC, Blange’ 2007 This is quite fresh with lots of flowers, citrus fruit, moderate acidity and a light body. Blange is the name of Ceretto’s estate property, devoted to Arneis, spread over two villages. The wine’s production is all in stainless and there is some retained CO2. Proprietors Bruno and Marcello Ceretto. [...]

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Rancho Sisquoc, Santa Barbara County, Sylvaner 2007 There’s a bit of flintiness in the nose. Sylvaner isn’t typically an aromatic daredevil so that’s OK. In the mouth there’s a very grapy flavor, almost like a native labrusca, very hard to describe. With 1.7% RS there’s a richness to the palate. Kudos to Rancho Sisquoc for [...]

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Zin and Petite often work together, one behind the scenes of the other who gets the billing on the label.
Claudia Springs Redwood Valley John Ricetti Vineyard Zinfandel 2005
There’s jammy fruit and a little warmth from the alcohol. Winemaker Bob Klindt. P&B in Philo 15.9% $19.49 at Bottle Barn Claudia Springs
Everett Ridge Dry Creek Valley Estate [...]

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Here we take another look at variations on the taste and feel of dry red wine.
ZD Carneros Pinot Noir 2006
Lots of sweet cherries and palpable acidity make this a refreshing Pinot. This wine originates with Pinot grown in certified organic vineyards. The wine is then aged for 10 months in French oak. Winemaker Chris Pisani. [...]

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Like white wine, red wine comes in many shapes and sizes, from the silky, flowing ribbons to brawny, square-jawed brawlers. Here are 3 takes on red wine style.
Lincourt Santa Barbara County Pinot Noir 2004
Easy drinking cherries in a glass. This wine is a compilation of fruit from the Santa Maria Valley and the Rancho [...]

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Spinifex Barossa Valley Esprit 2004
There is sweet black fruit and tar in the nose. The mouth shows a soft structure that is lush. The in-mouth flavors are very fruity in a candied way. This GSM blend is 36% Grenache, 34% Shiraz, 20% Mourvedre and 10% Cinsault, sourced from six vineyards in the Barossa and Eden [...]

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This flight features 2 wines from an area that has distinguished itself for its long-established vineyards and good values.
Gnarly Head Lodi Old Vine Zinfandel 2005
Jammy liquer-like fruit and sweet vanilla in the nose. The wine is light-bodied, sweet appearing and supple. Aged in Fr, US and Hungarian oak. V&B in Manteca 14.5% $9.99 at Traverso’s [...]

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Stark Russian River Valley Cuvee Julian Syrah 2004
This is Syrah that is not afraid to be tannic with lots of alcohol showing in the nose and the mouth. There’s 2% Viognier in the final blend and the fruit is sourced 63% from Bill and Betsy’s Alegria Vineyard and 35% from Saralee’s Catie’s Corner. P&B Healdsburg [...]

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McManis California Petite Sirah 2005
An approachable Petite with lots of berry fruit and a taming of the tannins. 13.5% P&B Ripon, winemakers Jeff Runquist and Mike Robustelli, $9.99 at BevMo www.mcmanisfamilyvineyards.com

Victor Hugo Paso Robles Petite Sirah 2003
13.8% P&B Templeton, the current release (2004) was aged 16 mos. in US oak, $20 [...]

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