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rcscgrhpx's Review:

I was expecting a bit more punch from this wine when I saw the blend of grapes. The nose was rather tight and subtle with traces of dustiness and ripe red fruit. The first taste was nicely focused and had a nice freshness and juicy quality. The mid-palate transitioned to cherry flavors and something slightly bitter; perhaps dark chocolate. The finish had a bit of grip and spice, which didn't last very long.I think it would have benefited from decanting, since it opened up the second day.

rcscgrhpx's Review:

This is a very simple pinot noir that will appeal to a lot of palates. The nose has a dusty, muddy, smokey quality with hints of flowers, cherries and cranberries. Sweet fruit is apparent on entry and the mid-palate doesn't change very much. Lots of cherry juice with a dose of strawberries and cranberries. The finish is fairly short and the tannins are very mild and a bit sweet. Definitely a friendly, fruity pinot that is very one-dimensional ... but extremely drinkable. It paired very well with BBQ chicken and strip steak with a Chipotle sauce.Notes from www.paliwineco.com ...500 Cases Produced13.8% AlcoholThe second of the two Pali AVA blends, this is a very pretty and balanced wine easily associated with the Russian River Valley. Deep red cherries, lavender, rose petals and herbs on the nose. Juicy, rounded mouth feel. A bit tight now but should open up nicely by release.

rcscgrhpx's Review:

I bought this along with the "Pali Bluffs 2007" cuvee from the Russian River Valley. For my palate, the "Huntington 2007" from Santa Barbara is superior, with more concentrated fruit, darker fruits and a longer finish. In a blind tasting, it could easily be mistaken for a Cabernet. My notes match the description from the web site to the letter ... so I've included the wine maker's comments.Notes from www.paliwineco.com ...250 Cases Produced14.4% AlcoholThe first of the Pali AVA blends, the Huntington is ripe, lush and concentrated. Lifted aromatics of ripe plums, earth, wild blackberries and white pepper. A medium weight wine with round and lush mouth feel. Fruit-driven with layers of juicy red cherries, cranberries, toasty oak and sweet tannin.

rcscgrhpx's Review:

A good Garnacha ... no question. The color is a shimmering garnet/ruby right to the edge. It's a fruity, spicy, medium-bodied wine with supple tannins and classic Garnacha DNA. Loads of black cherry juice with bits of blackberry and plum. Even though the alcohol content is high, it's very light on its feet and not at all hot. Old vines aren't always better ... just different ... and in this case the altitude and age of the plantings provides a very polished and balanced profile with loads of flavor.

rcscgrhpx's Review:

I liked this so much that I sent an e-mail to the winery. This is high on my list of QPR wines.Robert Parker 90 pts February 2008. The unoaked 2006 Sao composed of 50% Garnatxa Negra, 40% Syrah, and 10% Samso (Carinena).Purple-colored, it exhibits a fragrant nose of blueberry and black cherry. Fat, forward, and richly fruited, this tasty wine will continue to open over the next 1-3 years and drink well through 2015.

rcscgrhpx's Review:

Another great value from Spain. Not complex, but not hollow. Very consistent on the attack, mid palate and finish. The red fruits tended to build a bit for me, which I liked ... and the acidity was perfect to drink alone or with food. I can see this being a very food-friendly wine that would go great with BBQ.

rcscgrhpx's Review:

I had this with a traditional holiday turkey dinner and it complimented the meal nicely.Very old world. So, if you like your Pinot with a bit more zing, this is probably not the best value. This is a serious wine with loads of dusty strawberries, earthiness, smokiness, sour cherries, astringency and elegance. Moderately complex with many easily detected flavors. Beautiful clear ruby color with a slightly purple edge.Be sure to decant for an hour or two and serve at a slightly cool temperature to bring out the fruit. Otherwise, the earth and smoke move to the front of the line.

rcscgrhpx's Review:

If you like your wine with a lot of black and white pepper, this is for you! Loads of spice throughout that's balanced nicely with the cherry, and darker fruit elements. Give it time in the glass to really show itself, or decant for a couple of hours to integrate the spice and fruit. You'll smell the spices, but might not taste them initially. However, hold on because they build quickly and hang on for a great finish.