Had a large filet of mahi mahi and invited another couple to join us for a grilled fish dinner on the patio. Surprised them by serving syrah with it--which went very well. The fish had been marinated in olive oil and crushed garlic.
2012 Tildio Winery The Phoenix Columbia Valley Red Blend
Margot's bottle. 70/30ish blend of cab franc and malbec. Medium bodied with bright flavors and no obvious oak--the CF really makes it. Very enjoyable.
2013 Result of a Crush Washington Red Blend
Also Margot's bottle. So different from past vintages--less syrah-driven, more sophisticated, and yet it still carries that wonderful Rocks funk. Bright and spicy on the palate. Really rocks the $25 price point. The
Comment
2008 Rôtie Cellars Southern Blend Washington Red Rhone Blend
Much more mature than one would expect for an 08 and unpleasantly so--almost no nose, full secondary development on the palate and some petroleum notes on the finish.
2012 Reynvaan Family Vineyards Syrah In the Rocks Walla Walla Valley
Pnp'd last night. Looking back at a note from a year ago just now confirms what I thought last night: this wine is asleep right now. Huge charcoal and meat flavors govern, and there's essentially no fruit on display, no exuberance. Decant or let it sleep.
2007 Stolpman Syrah Santa Ynez Valley
Gorgeous. Bright ripe fruit with good acidity and a bit of funk on the nose, a perfect tweener between old and new world. At peak and will hold here for a few years but it's pretty irresistable right now--why wait.
2015 Cruess Fiano Russian River Valley
A taste from another table at At Petit Crenn. Full-bodied, floral nose, points sweet on entry then finishes bone dry. Am guessing alcohol's on the high side. Not right, IMO, for the food here.
2015 Famille Peillot Vin du Bugey-Montagnieu Altesse
At Petit Crenn. Minerally nose, seductive mid-palate fruit of pear and white nectarine, rich but understated. Rather cerebral overall.
2015 Forlorn Hope St. Laurent Ost-Intrigen ricci Carneros
Interesting stuff: black cherry, leather, by leaf, gamey, super dry.