Comparison: Rosenblum Cellars 2005 Reserve Syrah & Tensley 2007 Red

Rosenblum Cellars
Reserve Syrah
Sonoma County
Kick Ranch
2005
Cost: $39

Tensley
Syrah
Santa Barbara County
Colson Canyon Vineyard
2007
Cost: $45

The Kick Ranch kicks ass! I'd buy it again just for the name. We had it with lamb shank on Christmas eve in a direct taste test with the Tensley Syrah 2007 Colson Canyon. Similarly priced and rated: $40ish and 94 pts. The Rosenblum Kick Ranch was the hands down winner. Perhaps the extra bottle aging, perhaps better aeration (we only had one decanter!), but it was the clear winner. Both were big, bold, fruity, dark, concentrated, with high alcohol (more apparent in the Tensley). The Rosenblum had mellowed where the Tensley was still a raging bull. Both were great but the Tensley definitely needs more time to show its true colors.

Comments

Dynamic 2010 Red Table Wine

From Trader Joe's, this was in their red blends section for about $6. I'm satisfied. 34% Syrah, but whats the rest? Bordeaux varietals? Zin? Gamay? Concord? Who knows? Who cares? For $6, this could be my house red if it plays it's cards right. It is light and fun and has a good balance of fruit and spice. Throw your expectations in the gutter and be pleasantly surprised.

J 2001 Russian River Valley Brut Magnum

Can you say magnum baby? We finally cracked this for the two year old's birthday party. It was crisp and bubbly and balanced and complex all at the same time. J makes a fine sparkler.

Trinity Hill 2008 Chardonnay Gimblett Gravels

Beautiful straw color. Apple, vanilla, peach, full bodied, new world (N Zed), buttery with a nice acidic zing that brings it all in balance. Should go well with our fish pie.

Fiat Vino

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