Betsy had an evening rehearsal for the continuo part in an upcoming opera. I was alone for dinner, with leftover pot roast, salad, and the
2001 Edmunds St. John "Los Robles Viejos" (Rozet Vineyard, Paso Robles). Nose of earth and black fruit, on the palate there's a line of acidity keeping it fresh, and the fruit comes in as a mixture of black and red. I spend some time looking to see if one of the varieties (blend of Grenache, Mourvedre, Syrah,and Counoise), but it's more a seamless blend of warm fruit. With air I tell myself I can spot the Mourvedre influence in the earthy/leathery notes, but of course I know it's in the blend. This isn't a jam session with each player taking turns,but a chamber group working at a unified sound. Really a lovely wine, like a top flight Gigondas or Vacqueyras with a California tan. A-
Grade disclaimer: I'm a very easy grader, basically A is an excellent wine, B a good wine, C mediocre. Anything below C means I wouldn't drink at a party where it was only choice. Furthermore, I offer no promises of objectivity, accuracy, and certainly not of consistency.