Volume 33, Issue 9: July 2009
SYRAH SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Syrah is the big dog in the Rhone Revolution, but the days of revolution are long gone and Syrah has now become an established member of the family. PETITE SIRAH SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Before there was Syrah, there was Petite Sirah. It may be big and blunt, but PS has followers because some like it big and some like the way it works with big hunks of red meat. Grenache and Mourvedre SUBSCRIBERS ONLY These red varieties are stuck in the slow lane despite several attractive versions. Marsanne and Roussanne SUBSCRIBERS ONLY They are twinned in the Rhone, and they often appear together here. There is a lot of wine in these two grapes, and the best examples are not to be missed. The Kingdom of Navarra SUBSCRIBERS ONLY We used to think of this Spanish region as the home of running bulls. With new energy and new varieties, it may well be on its way to big-time status in the world of fine wine. PINOT NOIR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Spectacular new releases from Kosta Browne and Testarossa are featured. Best Buys SUBSCRIBERS ONLY When your wallet wants a break, you need to turn to Best Buys.				SUBSCRIBERS ONLY CONNOISSEURS' FORUMS with edtiors Charles Olken and Stephen Eliot. · wine price vs rating 2006 Tablas Creek Vineyard Esprit de Beaucastel Paso Robles 45% Mourvedre ; 28% Grenache; 22% Syrah; 5% Counoise. If both a bit riper and a bit fatter than the classic Chateauneuf-du-Pape style evoked by its namesake, this dense, fairly full-bodied wine tastes of plums, pomegranate, sweet oak and a sprinkling of "herbes de Provence". Its slightly viscous start is contrasted by its moderately tannic finish, and, albeit a tasty wine now, it will be more enjoyable still after being allowed to knit together for several more years. $45.00 Score: 90