It is that time of year, when we get reviews. Reviews are funny things - sometimes they make sense to us. Sometimes, they seem like they are about different wines. (And sometimes they reflect that the reviewers don't read our notes like a recent review about our 3/13 that says it doesn't taste like a typical Syrah..)

So, some recent favorites. First from a customer (always the best ones):

WOW - just finished my first bottle of Tamarindo and am blown away. Balanced, clean, focused, luscious, and deeeeeeeeeeeelicious! Very well done indeed. Just a wonderful expression of one of my favorite varietals.

International Wine Reviews (http://www.i-winereview.com/) recent reviews.

Donkey and Goat 2006 Vielle Vignes Mendocino Ridge ($37) 92 A wine sourced from up to 100-year old high altitude field blends of Syrah and Petite Sirah. Exhibits an opaque ruby purple color and aromas of black fruit, minerals, black pepper and violets. Rich and flavorful spicy black fruit on the palate with a silky smooth mouthfeel, mature tannins with some grip, and a long satisfying finish. A terrific wine that will likely improve with age.

Donkey and Goat 2005 Syrah Reserve Brosseau Vineyard Chalone ($55) 91 Opaque ruby purple. Reveals aromas of high-toned black fruit and toasty oak. It spends 36 months in 2-year old oak barrels and is silky smooth on the palate with ripe concentrated black fruit flavors and black pepper notes. The wine reveals purity of fruit, elegance and balance with ripe gripping tannins on the finish.

http://i-winereview.blogspot.com/2008/12/donkey-and-goat-winery-berkeley.html

November/December 2008, Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar

Focus on the Central Coast by Josh Raynolds

2006 Fenaughty Vineyard Syrah, El Dorado: Inky ruby. Classic syrah aromas of red and dark berries, violet, anise and cracked pepper. Juicy and fresh, offering vibrant blackberry and candied plum flavors, with a jolt of pepper on the back. Gains sweetness on the lively, long finish. I really like this wine's balance and precision. 91 pts

2006 Three Thirteen, California: (a blend of syrah, mourvedre and grenache) Bright red. Spicy red berries and cherry on the nose, with suave floral, herbal and Asian spice qualities adding complexity. Fresh red berry flavors are framed by dusty tannins and given a tangy edge by bitter berry skin and peppery herbs. Fresh, brisk and refreshing, with good closing snap. Imagine a cross between pinot noir and high-quality Cotes du Rhone. Just over 92% of this fruit is from El Dorado; the rest comes from Chalone. 89 pts

2007 Tamarindo Roussanne, El Dorado: (12.8% alcohol) Silver-yellow. Dried lime, pear and beeswax on the nose, with a suave floral honey undertone. Energetic citrus and orchard fruit flavors are complicated by smoky minerals and bitter pear skin. Becomes sweeter and deeper on the finish, which features juicy mango and white peach qualities while maintaining focus. This is lovely right now. 90 pts

More reviews as they come out. Happy holidays!