Andre Perret Saint-Joseph

Deep ruby red colour, brim starting to turn more towards leather. Nose is spicy with notes of leather, underbrush and some bramble and garrigue. In mouth it shows a very nice development, still with some nice fruit, a nice spiciness, very smooth tannins, nice acidity and notes of bramble, leather, underbrush och some spices. This is a very classical, well developed, mature Saint-Joseph, it's in a good stage now, but would probably keep well for at least five years more.

Northern Rhone Reds (Seattle, WA) : Tasted blind. Tobacco, sweet fruit, and spice on the nose. A mix of fruit, earth, leather, tomato and spice on the body. Well balanced with good acidity.

Cellared since original release. Very floral red fruits in a medium-full, voluptuous body with plenty of spice. Easy to drink now, should still improve. Unsurprisingly, this wine resembles a Côte-Rôtie -- I wish they would change the northern part of Saint-Joseph to another appellation.

Legends of the Northern Rhone (Prince Sydney, 40 Hansard Street) : Crushed rock, clove, perfumed, slight floral top notes, something very herbal - medicinal herbs and juniper. More of the same on the palate, slight red berry and plentiful spice. Tannins are tight, drying and grippy.

California and Rhône Syrah (SF Wine Trading Company) : Medium ruby color. Weedy, brambly, peppery aromatics. Medium weight. Dry and very herbal with a ton of green things, little fruit, and a tart finish. Not a lot to like.

Deep ruby red. Intense nose with lots of raspberries, dark fruits, pepper, salami and somewhat meaty aromas. In mouth, rich, medium bodied with well integrated tannins and notes of raspberries, dark fruits, pepper and cured meat. Long aftertaste, and a great wine! Drink somewhat cooler than you would normally do with a syrah, at around 14-16 C.