Longevity Wines Red Blend Livermore Valley Longevity 2005

The nose reminded me of my grandma's kitchen in the late months of the summer when she made jams for the winter. Rich, blackcurrant reduction sauce on the nose. And this smell is in no way a deception. The taste dutifully fulfills my expectations with rich upfront notes of blackcurrant and other black fruits. There is also a distant fungal aspect reminiscent of some French cheeses, but is mostly overpowered by the fruit. I found the finish to be a little chalky, but in no way did this detract from the overall balance and finish, which coated my mouth without drying it out. Overall, a great wine for a lover of fruity Syrahs, which I most certainly am...

This wine is terrific now but I'd be interested to see how the value increases with some time in your cellar - say 5-8 years? The nose is deliciously complex - cola, vanilla extract, blackberry and baking chocolate chip cookies are all battling for the number one aroma as I inhale deeply. The blackberry carries through the palette, with a touch of sweet ketchup hitting the midpalette and carrying to the finish. Ah, the juicy finish lingers for days! I'm wildly enthusiastic about this wine - now and for years to come, and at $28 a bottle you can afford to buy six for now and six for later.

If I was going to eat candy daily, I would eat Longevity candy. Maybe that's taking my comparison a bit far, but truly this Rhone blend smells deliciously sweet. It's all black licorice and caramel. On the palate it retains some of that caramelly goodness without being sweet. The cherry fruit up front is bright and inviting, and I love how round and lush this wine is. It is juicy and delicious down to the long last drop. Longevity in your glass, brings longevity to the finish.

The 2005 “Longevity” is our signature Rhone blend. Syrah, Grenache, Mouvedre, and Petite Sirah came together to create this highly anticipated flagship wine. You will be greeted by deep dark ruby red color followed by aromas of vanilla, spice, dark cherry, blackberry, violet and bitter chocolate, enlivened by zesty mineral and anise accents. round tannins coupled with powerful complexity create a wine full of harmony and balance, with an excellent thrust on the incredibly smooth and lingering finish. Aged in new French oak for 28 months, this wine is wonderfully bright and energetic, which assures that you will be repaid handsomely for cellaring.