Fiat Vino

Syrah 50%, Mourvedre48%, Viognier 2%, 2006, South Africa. This really needed to open up, the first notes were almost like stale hay but upon decanting cherry, vanilla, and smoke came out. I was quite pleased with my selection from San Francisco's Jug Shop. I found the solitary bottle in the rack and, entrigued by the 2% Viognier, asked about it. When they said, "Ooh, that's good. I didn't know we had any left," I knew that I found what I was seeking. Did you notice the $9.99 price tag? I did. Auf.

From the winery, 10 (out of 10) $24? Holy smokes Batman this is good! Damn good! We have been sitting on this for 6 years or so and decided last night that this, on the eve of the celebration of our nation's independence, was the right time to open it. The tannins seemed to have mellowed and dried fruit nuances showed through. There was a strong presence of plum coming through the typical Curtis Syrah flavors of smoke and cherry. This is the kind of wine I sip very slowly. It is virulent enough to give your senses an assault with each taste, each time you notice something different expressed from the terrior. The finish is long, so long in fact that I woke up this morning with a mouthful of blackberries, chocolate and cedar. I wish I had more of this.

I love wine. Look at all the pretty colors. Sitting at "J" in the Russian River Valley. Although they're known for their Pinot Noir and they're sparkling, I like their Pinotage the best. They do a cheese plate outside (which we are enjoying right now) and a pairing indoors in the Bubble Room.

Holy Rose! Form the Monferrato region, this rose was quite dry; almost too dry, because I expect and enjoy a touch of fruit on my pink. All in all, very average with no distinct notes coming from anywhere. I wonder where we got this bottle...