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 working with Sylvaner as it has been all but forgotten in the New World. GP&B in Santa Maria 12% $14 at the winery Rancho Sisquoc
R, Clarksburg, Salman Vineyard, Petite Sirah 2005 Jeff Runquist’s Petite is in sync with his house style of silky texture and opulent oak all over. We always talk of Petite as being a particularly tannic monster but Runquist shows that the Petite beast can be tamed. The vineyard is located on Sutter Island. If you haven’t been to Clarksburg you must make the trip. P&B in Ripon 14.7% $26 at the winery Runquist