Earthquake – Petite Sirah 2006 – Lodi, California
Cost: $23.99/Bottle
This is pure, dark, opaque-purple, full-bodied, velvety smooth and rich, layered to be exact as it coats the palate with its creamy milky texture. The aromatics from initial opening (and for about 30 minutes) is phenomenal; its roasted coffee, caramel, and cocoa seduces you, transforming toward its black cherry and blackberry core, all the while offering hints of pure vanilla and coffee. Very full flavors where black cherry, cocoa and vanilla reigns supreme. An uncommon bottle with great appeal that is well-priced for the masses. Well bought indeed.
Rating: 94
Alban Vineyards – Syrah – Central Coast, California
Cost: $30/bottle
Wow— Anything Alban on the label is probably a rare find lately. This is why: This beautiful wine offers notes of smoky oak, bacon fat, blackberry, spicy peppers and loads of red and black fruit. The nose alone is intoxicating, but in the mouth — from the mid-palate to the back, it’s downright exhilarating. Velvety, polished and rich in texture. It’s really quite impressive that the least expensive offering from this winery is so unbelievably dominating.
Rating: 93
= "personne extraordinaire"