2006 Holly's Hill Tranquille

47% Grenache, 33% Mourvedre. 20% Syrah from the Sierra Foothills. We picked this up several years ago on a side visit when we visited Cedarville winery. Probably a couple of years past prime, but still very enjoyable. A nice spicey nose. The cherry notes from the Grenache hit you first, but blueberry notes from the Mourvedre take over on the midpalate. A bit of anise, black pepper. Nicely resolved tannins and perhaps a bit too much acidity. Moderately long finish. This was probably better a couple of years ago, but still pleasant now. "B"

2008 Sean Thackrey Orion

Ok, your guess as to the composition of this wine since Sean isn't talking. The vines were planted in 1905 so let your imagination run wild as to the blend. This is a wine that needs air, probably should have decanted it for a couple of hours. It became far more expressive with time in the glass. A nose of cherry and eucalyptus. Nicely resolved, but still evident, tannins and great acidity. Dark fruits hit you on the front of the palate, blackberry and blueberry and roasted meats. The fruit is intense, but not over bearing. The eucalyptus continues onto the palate with a nice herbal note. Finishes a bit abruptly. This wine needs a lot of air and food. I'll probably decant the next bottle I try. "A-"


Charlie