Difficult to compare to recent vintages (which have all included at least some cabernet franc or petit verdot) this is less flamboyant than the 2006 and 2007, and will benefit from extended cellaring. Nathless all, That in my thoughts I of that sacred realm Could store, shall now be matter of my song. There is no short answer. MORE >>

They are all pretty much blends of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cab Franc and Petit Verdot. Syrah, Grenache, Mourvedre, Carignan, Cinsaut, these are the most popular grapes of Southern France and vignerons (French winemakers) play around with them in the cellars to create their own identities. Ah, the Holidays. promise. MORE >>

Their 2004 cabernet which is actually a Bordeaux blend of 76% Cabernet, 18% merlot, 4% Petit Verdot & 2% cab franc. The wine is then kept in the winery cellar for 18 months before being released. But our favorite of the tasting was a very interestingly blended Port made of 59% Petit Sirah, 36% Zin & 5% Syrah. MORE >>

So off to Chase Wine Cellars to visit my (new) friend Jeff Blaum. Following the Cab I had a Petit Sirah and finished with an old vine Zin PORT that I REALLY enjoyed. From Chase Cellars I called the people of The Terraces Winery. The Zin was blended with about 7-8% Petit Sirah & a touch (about 1%) of Cab. Nice wines. MORE >>

tasted some nice Chardonnays by Foxglove/ Varner Wines , L'Angevin , DuMol and Neiman cellars. Drew Neiman of Neiman Cellars is someone I had not met before, but whom I engaged in conversation as I noticed a wine I was familiar with on his table. Also from Merus was their '05 Merus Cab blended with 5% Petit Verdot & Malbec. MORE >>