Had this wine at Joe's in Venice. It was $40 off the wine list. Wine was open 30 minutes prior to tasting.

Dark purple, almost opaque. Nose is somewhat shy initially, but opened later to reveal sweet blackberry and cassis. Flavors of blueberry, smoke, pine and minerals are fabulous with a sweet tannin filled finish. This is a very nice Santa Barbara Syrah. Not an ager, IMO. jb Rating 90 pts. I subsequently bought 3 bottles for $23 each at a shop in Los Olivos. Only 150 cases were made. I'd snap it up if I found a bottle.

jb

I think this is a great wine. I have personally bought six cases (two of which are already gone - I served this wine at a cocktail party during my wedding weekend along with a case of Behrens and Hitchcock Ode to Picasso 99 (which was left over from my rehearsal dinner and some one stupidly brought to the cocktail party - no one was really appreciating that wine under those circumstances but C'est la vie.) Its a screaming buy at the $16 to 18 a bottle I have bought it for recently.

jones-does the paige make it to the east coast or do we have to find a wine shop in california?

I've never seen it out here. I think they only made 150 cases, so the likelihood is small.

jb

Actually, ojeffso, I saw a wine shop on Montana Ave. in Santa Monica that had a some of this on the shelf at $22. If you want I can have Mrs. jb pick up a bottle for you. She is coming home on the Tue. night red eye. Let me know.

jb

I don't believe it is getting distributed on the East Coast. I have been buying the wine direct from the wholesale representative at wholesale as recently as two weeks ago. If anyone wants some in case lots I can find out if the rep still has any more.

it sounds like a definite buy. could i get it shipped directly to my place of business. i would be interested in a case.

where does it need to go to? The rep has been jacking the prices on the wine (I got the first one for $144 a case) but she should still have more. Let me know your email and I will put you in touch with my contact who can ship it to you if they rep still has it.

Just tried this wine again a few days ago. Really well done CA syrah. It was throwing a ton of sediment and if you have any, I would drink it up in the next couple of years. I don't think this will benefit from extended cellar time. Great extraction and plush blackberry, blueberry and a little vanilla. Long finish. I have only one bottle left and I wish I had more. I don't know if they have a mailing list, but I am eagerly awaiting their '01 release.

jb