WINE REVIEWS/SCORES
“This winery’s portfolio is impressive”
Robert Parker/Wine Advocate June 2008
2006 Syrah, La Herradura Vineyard Napa/BARREL SAMPLE
91 POINTS: Robert Parker/Wine Advocate
The 2006 Syrah La Herradura displays more chocolate, truffle, and crème de cassis notes as well as hints of fig and spice. A sexy opulent fleshy wine without quite the fruit purity of the 2005 but with more nuances and spicy earthiness to it. It should drink well for 5-6 years.
2005 Syrah, La Herradura Vineyard Napa
92 POINTS: Robert Parker/Wine Advocate
The single vineyard 2005 Syrah, La Herradura is a brilliant wine. Complex bacon fat, blackberry, and cherry notes intermixed with smoke and licorice emerge from the glass. On the palate, the wine’s complexity continues with terrific fruit, a nice layered full bodied mouthfeel, sweet tannin and a lengthy finish. The wine will drink beautifully for 6-8 years.
93 POINTS: The International Wine Review (June 2008)
The 2005 La Herradura boasts aromas of blackberry fruit, earth, mushroom, black pepper and spice followed by a palate of beautifully integrated flavors of ripe and juicy black currant and black berry fruit, smoke and roasted meat. The wine also reveals lovely balance and a long lasting finish. Absolutely delicious.
2004 Syrah, La Herradura Vineyard Napa
96 POINTS: Vinfolio
Aromas of smoky black fruits with plenty of chocolate and black plum. Tremendous texture with dense ripe flavors of cherry, plum and blackberry.
93 POINTS: Wine Spectator
Fresh, ripe and zesty blackberry and boysenberry aromas are complex, pure and focused on the palate with excellent balance and persistence. The long lingering finish keeps the dark fruit center stage. “
92 POINTS: Robert Parker/Wine Advocate
Glorious notes of bacon fat, roasted meat, smoke, blackberries, and black currants emerge from the dark ruby/purple-colored 2004 Syrah La Herradura Vineyard. This complex, sexy, lush, opulent, enticing Syrah can be drunk now or cellared for 4-5 years.
2005 Syrah, Madder Lake Vineyard , Clear Lake
90 POINTS: Robert Parker/The Wine advocate
The outstanding 2005 Syrah Madder Lake Vineyard has a deep ruby/purple color and beautiful nose with fresh picked blueberries intermixed with smoky cassis and damp earth. It is full-bodied, layered, substantial in flavor, but also elegant and pure. Drink it over the next 5-7 years
89 POINTS: The International Wine Review (June 2008)
The dark ruby 2005
2004 Syrah, Madder Lake Vineyard , Clear Lake
90 POINTS: Robert Parker/Wine Advocate
The impressive 2004 Syrah Madder Lake Vineyard offers pure blackberry and cassis fruit along with hints of acacia flowers and licorice. Medium to full-bodied, pure, and nicely delineated, it is not as complex and exuberant as the
90 POINTS: Vinfolio
A bright aromatic profile of boldly dark fruits with solid acidity wrapped around the plush core of pepper, blackberry and mineral-like backbone.
2004 Tempranillo Madder Lake
94 POINTS: Vinfolio
Aromas of chocolate spiced black fruit and dates in the nose with hints of ripe peach. Velvet-like mouth entry with powerfully built lush tannins. A splendid wine worthy of seeking out.
2006 Grenache Blanc, Esperanza Vineyard, California
94 POINTS: Vinfolio
Scents of lemon and mineral in the nose with some green tea, gardenia and vanilla bean hints. The palate is muscularly formed showing mandarin orange, youthful acidity, yet plenty of grip through the finish. Aged in neutral French oak.
2006 Viognier, Noble Vineyard, Knights Valley
87 POINTS: Robert Parker/Wine Advocate
The 2006 Viognier Noble Vineyard’s fresh, under-ripe apricot and honeysuckle notes intermixed with a bit of peach, crisp acidity, medium body and good freshness make for a very attractive Viognier.
2005 Viognier, Noble Vineyard, Knights Valley
92 POINTS: Vinfolio
Aromas of pretty honeysuckle, toast and shortbread on the nose. The palate shows rich, mouth-coating lemon verbena, spicy anise and toast continuing through the finish.
90 POINTS: Robert Parker/Wine Advocate
The impressive 2005 Viognier Noble Vineyard exhibits litchi nut, honeysuckle, nectarine, and apricot characteristics, medium to full body, good acidity, and fine definition (which can be difficult with this varietal).
2005 Palaterra
88 POINTS: Robert Parker/Wine Advocate
A very good value is the 2005 Palaterra, a blend of multiple varietals. This is an excellent bistro-styled red with loads of sweet cherry and strawberry notes intermixed with a bit of spice box, licorice, and pepper. It has sweet fruit, medium body, good freshness, and a supple mouthfeel. All together a very sensual wine.
88 POINTS: International Wine Review (June 2008)
Earthiest in character (of the Spencer Roloson Syrahs), displaying aromas of black cherry fruit, loam and herbs. On the palate it reveals a soft attack with prominent secondary flavors and light fruit.
2004 Palaterra
91 POINTS: Vinfolio
Aromas of ripe, spice scented cherry and briar smoked raspberry tart. Lush, spicy mint on the mouth entry with intensely smooth tannins.
