2005 Outpost Petite Sirah - USA, California, Napa Valley, Howell Mountain (8/20/2009)
Had over 2 nights. At first the aromatics were dominated by a reductive smell but that quickly faded. Showed lots of white pepper. On the second night the richness had picked up and I found everything more enticing. Aromatics are a little light on expressiveness. A full bodied wine but I actually expected more plush ripe fruit and more richness. First time I have had this wine and I really went in “style blind”. I took me a minute adjust my paradigm as I expected this to be more Foleyish which I consider “cocktails” … not to be taken as pejorative. The Outpost showed much more acid and tart fruit. This wine needs some time. There is a bit of heat which kept it from moving to the next level for me but I look forward to revisiting a few years down the road. (90 pts.)
2006 Edmunds St. John That Old Black Magic - USA, California, Sonoma County (8/20/2009)
Had over two nights. Left open for 4 or 5 hours on the second night. This wine is under screw cap. With the price and screw cap I thought I would dive in. I like the way it is drinking but clearly leaving it alone for a few years would be a good idea. Early on the aromatics are very earthy and dusty. Dried flowers and herbs mixed in there. By the time we were wrapping things up on the next day and big bunch of berries showed up. Solid bright acids. There is a bit of heat on this wine but not bothersome. On the second night I enjoyed a strawberry preserve element. A somewhat easy drinking wine with its roots in the old world and it is not afraid to challenge you. (89 pts.)
Cheers,
Jason
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