Soft with dry blackberry and cassis fruit. Very soft for a foothills blend.

Has the body and mouthfeel of a dynamite fume blanc and the fruit of a roussanne. This is a killer first course wine. Lots going on here.

A bit tannic/sour at first. Opens up with great spice, sour raspberry and earth.

Big full throttle grenache. But, a little hot. High alcohol level is pretty obvious. Perhaps it will gain a little bit more finesse with a few more years time. Let's hope so.

RandyZin is one of my go-to wines. It's a great example of RRV zin and a consistent performer. As of this writing (late 2011), the 2009 RandyZin would benefit from another year in the bottle, but if decanted for an hour or more, it shows its potential. Classic black fruit and peppery aromas, on the palate it's vibrant and rich with mouth-filling dark berries. On the finish there's more spice and juicy black fruit (plum, black cherry) and a little dry. Unfortunately, I've drunk all my 2008s, so I'll have to dip into my 2009s... but if you can hold out, these will be brilliant bottles by this time next year.

This is a dynamite kitchen sink blend. Acidic with a touch of stone fruit and minerals.

The best Paso cab that I have had.

Decent chardonnay. Just the right round lactaid feel, medium hints of oak and toast. Mild and delightful mineral complexity. Some pears and green apple notes round out the palate.

This wine drinks well every time I open it. It gets better and better. This deep inky wine has beautiful dark fruit aromas. It drinks of cassis with black tea notes. The tannins are very firm and compliment hearty meals.

great drinking merlot