McWilliams Hanwood Estates Shiraz 2008 Southeastern Australia Curry leaves and pepper come forward in the nose. The taste is interesting: cherry, not fully ripe, is foremost on the palate, but with a spicy tone that actually reminds me a lot of Trader Joe’s Cherry Cider. I can down a jug of that beverage in no
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Alexander & Fitch 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley, CA This red was really dense on first sip, with lots of chocolate, spice, and fruit. Those are all things that are good. The nose had the same qualities, except there was a light element of menthol as well. It was tart but in that great, jam-like
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Rootstock Syrah 2007 North Coast, CA Smell: Oak, touch of cinnamon, dash of plum. Taste: A well-rounded wine with minimal fruit, though there is that bit of plum. There’s also a mellow presence of spices with cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and some light vanilla. This wine is fine and dandy but nothing special.