We attended a great tasting yesterday at a lovely resort in Napa. The rain threatened a few times but for the most part, we had a beautiful day. Here are some of my favorites from that tasting.

From the renowned winemaker, Heidi Barrett, we tasted the fantastic La Sirena Syrah 2005 from Santa Ynez. This is the fourth offering of La Sirena Syrah from Santa Ynez. What a wonderful appellation for Syrah! The Santa Ynez Syrah is deep ruby-purple in color with beautiful aromatics of ripe cherry and plum with a bit of dried herb and earthiness. It is round and lush in the mouth, yet juicy and lively and at the same time,chock full of spicy, red fruit character, cranberry, and a touch of smokiness. I love the medium chewy textural element on the palate. Beautifully balanced, pure flavors, and good length; a wine to enjoy with a variety of savory or spicy foods. Always an easy drinking, easy to love Syrah. Why “La Sirena”? The name “La Sirena” means “the Mermaid “in Spanish and Italian. Heidi chose it because she was looking for something fun and magical (like wine) and because she loves to scuba dive as well as make wine. $50.00

One of the surprises of the tasting was a blend from Etude called Fortitude. This 2006 vintage is a unique blend of Zinfandel (45%), Petite Sirah (21%), Primitivo (18%), Barbera (9%) and Tempranillo (7%) from the Kraemer Family's Shake Ridge Vineyards in Amador County. Three generations of Kraemer's work the vineyard. Rich and lush, this wine offers inviting aromas and flavors of wild blackberries, black plums and brown baking spices that wrap around structured tannins. This wine has good acidity and balance. $26.00

Palazzio 2008 Pinot Noir from Testarossa Winery is a blend of several vineyards which combines more forward “California style” fruit from Santa Barbara, with more “old world style” Pinot Noir from Monterey to create a blend that combines rich forward, sweet red fruit flavors, with an underlying backbone of minerals and firm acidity. It is a wine that is praised not only for its exceptional quality but also its great value. This delicious Pinot is medium red color and features aromas of cherry, black pepper, and cloves jumping readily out of the glass. Hints of anise, strawberry, and some citrus blossoms lie in the background. Flavors of cherry and black pepper carry through the palate of this wine. The texture of this wine is quite lush with soft, expansive tannins and lively acidity. Paired with a nice dash of oak, this medium weight Pinot Noir ends with a lingering, delicate finish. Drink now through 2013. $44.00. Special price on 6 or more bottles - $33.00

The amazing 2008 Sauvignon Blanc from Astrale e Terra is the first white wine produced by this winery. Only perfectly ripe Sauvignon Blanc grapes from Atlas Peak and select vineyards in Napa Valley made the cut! The aromas highlight bright notes of lemon meringue pie joined by subtle hints of tropical fruit. This wine is big and full bodied with lush fruit flavors of mango and pineapple that combine nicely with refreshing acidity. Enjoy this crisp wine with Chicken piccata or grilled figs stuffed with goat cheese and wrapped in prosciutto. (Only 274 cases produced.) $24.00

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