2006 Wines

Wine Spectator Magazine, Wine Spectator

2006 JAFFURS Syrah Santa Barbara County Verna's Vineyard 2006 (94 points)
Rich, dense and concentrated, with loads of white and black pepper, vivid wild berry and blackberry flavors and subtle touches of spice, mineral and sage, giving a savory quality and a long, complex finish. Drink now through 2012. 250 cases made. —J.L.

Steve Tanzer, International Wine Cellar

2006 Jaffurs Wine Cellars Roussanne Santa Barbara County (89 points)
Medium gold. Melon, floral honey and candied lemon on the nose, with a light dusting of minerals adding vivacity. Fleshy honeydew and poached pear flavors slowly tighten up on the finish, which offers very good depth and clarity. Nothing dry or firm about this.

2006 Jaffurs Wine Cellars Viognier Santa Barbara County
(90 points)
Green-gold. Fresh white peach and poached pear aromas are complicated by white flowers, mint and lively minerality. Bright and tangy, with energetic citrus and pit fruit flavors and a pleasingly bitter quinine bite on the close. A refreshingly dry and sharply focused viognier that finishes with excellent clarity and grip.

2006 Jaffurs Wine Cellars Grenache Santa Barbara County
90 (?+) points.
Ruby -red. Deep kirsch and blackcurrant aromas are given an exotic character by licorice, graphite and hot asphalt. Youthfully taut yet strikingly deep in its sweet, luscious dark berry preserve flavors. Finishes with gentle tannins and a numbing white pepper quality that builds on the aftertaste Pretty impressive, and pretty young too. Hands off.

2006 Jaffurs Wine Cellars Syrah Santa Barbara County
90 points.
Dark purple. Extremely fragrant nose offers deep blackberry, candied plum and cracked pepper scents along with subtle floral and mineral qualities. Pliant dark berry flavors are firmed by gentle tannins and develop a sexy anise quality on the finish, which offers excellent clarity and cling Th is is impressively complex for its price.

2005 Wines

Steve Tanzer, International Wine Cellar

2005 Jaffurs Wine Cellars Syrah Bien Nacido Vineyard Santa Barbara County 87? points
Bright ruby. Fresh cassis and dark cherry scents are brightened by graphite and licorice. Firm dark berry flavors are sweet and lightly scotch-like finishing with good grip and persistence. The oak influence grew with air, making me wonder if the fruit will be able to keep up.

2005 Jaffurs Wine Cellars Syrah Thompson Vineyard Santa Barbara County 91(+?) points
Inky ruby. Assertively perfumed, classic syrah bouquet of cassis, kirsch, candied violet, tobacco and subtle vanilla. Youthfully firm dark berry flavors are impressively deep, showing a slow-mounting sweetness and building tannins. Repeats the floral and vanilla character on the long, spicy finish. Very impressive.

2005 Jaffurs Wine Cellars Syrah Verna's Vineyard Santa Barbara County 91 points
Deep, bright-hued ruby. Fragrant red and dark berries on the nose, with sexy floral and spice qualities adding an exotic character. Fleshy, sweet blackcurrant and salty olive tapenade flavors are supported by supple tannins; finishes with impressive sweet persistence. Very suave wine, combining the best qualities of New and Old World syrah in a seamless, velvety package.

2005 Jaffurs Wine Cellars Syrah Upslope Santa Barbara County 92 points
Dense ruby. Powerfully scented nose offers sexy cassis, mulberry, roasted meat, violet and graphite scents that strongly suggest the northern Rhone. Broad and concentrated but fresh too, with energetic dark berry preserve flavors, silky tannins and suave oak spices building through the finish. Became chewier with air but maintained sweetness and pliancy. This packs a serious flavor punch but is also impressively balanced and pure.

Wine Spectator Magazine, Wine Spectator

Jaffurs Syrah Santa Barbara County Bien Nacido Vineyard 2005. 91 points
Rich and intense, with complex pepper, spice, wild berry and dusty sage flavors that are focused and persistent, ending with supple tannins. Drink now through 2012.—J.L.

Jaffurs Syrah Sta. Rita Hills Ampelos Vineyard 2005. 92 points.
Rich, intense and polished, with a wonderful purity of fruit. Layers of blueberry, wild berry and huckleberry flavors are focused, smooth and long on the finish, with ripe, supple tannins. Drink now through 2012.—J.L.

San Francisco Chronicle

Jaffurs 2005 Santa Barbara County Grenache selected as one of the Best 100 Wines for 2007

Wine Spectator

Jaffurs 2005 Santa Barbara County Syrah

90 points “Well-crafted, with ripe, rich fruit, lots of complex flavors, and a sleek finish. Shows off ripe berry, currant, and blueberry, with hints of smoke, sage, and lavender. The tannins are big, ripe, and plush. Drink now through 2012.” 1,164 cases made - JL

Jaffurs 2005 Thompson Vineyard Petite Sirah

93 points “Smooth and supple, with a seductive edge to the plum, blueberry and huckleberry fruit. Offers a delicious range of flavors, and given its size, the tannins are ripe and supple. Drink now through 2012.” 393 cases made.

 

2004 Wines

Wine Spectator

Jaffurs 2004 Ampelos Vineyard Syrah

92 points - “Big, rich and expressive, with ripe, vivid, intense wild berry and blackberry that, for all of its size and density, is remarkably supple and smooth-textured. Finishes with mocha and espresso bean notes. My favorite of the new Jaffurs Syrahs. Drink now through 2011.” 74 cases made - JL

Robert Parker, Jr., The Wine Advocate

2004 Syrah, Ampelos Vineyard – 91 Points
A big wine, the inky/blue/purple-tinged 2004 Syrah Ampelos Vineyard reveals plenty of black currant and black cherry fruit along with smoky, graphite notes, nicely integrated oak, terrific full-bodied intensity, and a long, heady finish. Consume it over the next 7-8 years.

2004 Syrah, Santa Barbara County – 90 Points
A good value, the 2004 Syrah Santa Barbara exhibits an opaque blue/purple color along with a gorgeous bouquet of smoked meats, blackberries, and blue fruits, wonderful density, an opulent/voluptuous texture, and deep, richly fruity flavors that reveal no hard edges. This realistically priced, knock-out Syrah should drink well for 3-4 years.

Steve Tanzer, International Wine Cellar

2004 Viognier Santa Barbara County
($23): Full straw color. Exotic aromas of orange peel and honey, with a hint of toffee. Sweet and supple, with orange blossoms and spice flavors framed by clean acidity. Finishes lemony, spicy, fresh.
88 points

2004 Syrah Bien Nacido Santa Barbara County
($30) Saturated black-ruby to the rim. Highly aromatic nose offers crystallized blackberry and blackcurrant, licorice, black pepper and spicy oak. Sweet, dense, seamless and rich, with deep dark berry flavors that linger impressively on the back. The tannins of this fruit bomb began rather fine but turned tougher, even a bit gritty, with aeration, and I lowered my initial score. But this is impressive. 91 points

2004 Syrah Upslope Santa Barbara County
($75; a special blend made from the Thompson, Melville and Bien Nacido vineyards) Deep ruby. Liqueur-like aromas of blackcurrant, chocolate, maple syrup and black olive. Dense, thick and sweet, with somewhat exotic, gamey flavors brightened by ripe acidity. Very full, broad, accessible syrah that coats the entire mouth. Finishes ripe and long, with enticing sweetness. Very easy to drink. 92 points

2004 Syrah Santa Barbara County
($24) Deep ruby. Musky aromas of black fruits, gunflint, meat and espresso.
Sweet, chewy flavors of dark berries, meat and mocha, with some funky reductive qualities. Finishes with slightly rough tannins. 88 points

2004 Syrah Verna's Vyrd Santa Barbara County
($38) Deep red. Liqueur-like aromas of dark cherry, chocolate, smoked meat and maple syrup; grew oakier as it opened in the glass. Concentrated and superripe in the mouth, but with a sappy quality and good peppery lift to the rich flavors of black raspberry, smoked meat, maple syrup and spices.
Rather high-toned finish features substantial dusty tannins. No shortage of personality here. 90 points

2004 Syrah Thompson Vyrd Santa Barbara County
($34) Deep, saturated ruby. Liqueur-like candied berries, dark chocolate and maple syrup on the nose. Dense, supple and primary, with sound acids framing the flavors of kirsch and blueberry. Tannins are a bit youthfully tough, but this wine would appear to have the structure and material to merit a few years of patience. 89 points

2004 Syrah Ampelos Vyrd, Sta. Rita Hills
($42) Deep, saturated ruby. Wild aromas of blackberry, blueberry, flowers and game. Sweet, lush and suave in the mouth, with superconcentrated fruit showing an almost liqueur-like ripeness. Very dense and very sweet syrah, finishing long and ripely tannic. 91 points

2003 Wines

Steve Tanzer, International Wine Cellar

2003 Grenache, Stolpman Vineyard
($28) Dark ruby red. Reduced nose hints at smoke and pepper. A very lush, concentrate, tactile Grenache with real sappiness, Finishes with substantial building , dusty tannins and lingering sweetness. 91 points

2003 Syrah , Larner Vineyard
($34) Ruby-red. Perfumed aromas of raspberries, bacon fat. Smoked meat, violet and lavender; this could be mistaken for Côte Rotie. Silky on entry, then restrained in the mid-palate and a bit lean on the back, with flavors of dusty dark cherries, bacon fat, pepper, and brown spice. Finishes with dusty tannins. This doesn’t quite deliver on its 93-point nose but offers considerable complexity. 90 points

2003 Syrah, Santa Barbara County
($23) Ruby red. Nuanced nose offers bright cherry licorice and dark chocolate, gunflint and brown spices; grew brighter with aeration. Juicy and lively if not particularly dense, with enticing flavors of dark berries, mint and musky espresso. Finishes with some sweet oak. A very successful, nicely balanced basic syrah release. 89 points

2003 Syrah, Thompson Vineyard Santa Barbara County
($34) Medium ruby. Subdued but pure aromas of plum, dark raspberries and smoke meat, mocha and spicy, chocolaty oak. Sweet, generous and concentrated, with sound acidity giving it good life in the mouth. The sappy, almost medicinal black cherry, dark berry and licorice flavors show lovely creaminess for a wine so primary. Rich, pliant syrah, finishing with firm, sweet, building tannins and very good length and verve. 90(+?) points

2003 Syrah, Melville Vineyard
($38) Bright, dark medium ruby. Pure aromas of blackberries, kirsch, and violet. At once silky and juicy, with fresh, nicely delineated flavors of dark berries, pepper, and licorice. Subtle mint and floral elements add to the wine’s appeal. Not a fat syrah but has intensity, flavor impact and structure. Here there’s little sign of the 14.8% alcohol. 91 points

2003 Syrah, Bien Nacido Vineyard
($30) Dark ruby. Aromas of black cherry, blueberry, blackberry and biter chocolate, lifted by a floral nuance. Sweet, high-toned and strong, with oncentrated fruit flavors nicely framed by harmonious acidity. Finishes with broad, chewy tannins. 89 points

2003 Syrah, UPSLOPE Santa Barbara County
($75; a blend of fruit from Bien Nacido, Thompson and Melville Vineyards; 14.9% alcohol): Bright ruby. Vibrant blackberry and violet aromas. Densely packed, juicy and bright, with pristine, impressively concentrated dark berry and black cherry flavors nicely complemented by sweet oak. harply delineated, primary and sweet, with rare flavor definition for a thoroughly ripe California syrah. The strong fruit lingers long on the finish, with some exotic oak tones emerging with aeration. 92 points

Robert Parker, Jr., The Wine Advocate

2003 Syrah, Melville Vineyard - 94 Points
My favorite offering here is the opaque purple-colored 2003 Syrah Melville Vineyard, a superbconcoction of black, blue, and red fruit, camphor, and acacia flower aromas. Full-bodied with multiple layers of flavor yet neither heavy nor overripe, this beauty possesses terrific fruit intensity as well as a spectacular finish. It should drink well for 6-10 years or longer.

2003 Syrah, Thompson Vineyard – 91 Points
The dense ruby/purple-hued 2003 Syrah Thompson Vineyard offers white chocolate, espresso roast, and cassis aromas, supple, creamy, chocolaty, lack cherry, and cassis flavors, plenty of glycerin, and less alcohol than some of its siblings. Luscious and heady, it should provide plenty of pleasure over the next 7-8 years.

2003 Syrah, Bien Nacido Vineyard – 93 Points
Looking like motor oil on a moonless night, the 2003 Syrah Bien Nacido Vineyard reveals notions of graphite, creme de cassis, blackberry liqueur, licorice, and olives. Deep, rich, full-bodied, seamless, pure, powerful yet supple flavors coat he palate. Like its siblings, it is a tour de force in winemaking from Craig Jaffurs. Drink the Bien Nacido cuvee over the next 7- 8 years.

Wine Enthusiast

91 Points Editor's Choice, Jaffurs 2003 Melville Vineyard Syrah

89 Points Jaffurs 2003 Thompson Vineyard Syrah

89 Points Jaffurs 2003 Bien Nacido Vineyard Syrah

88 Points Jaffurs 2003 Syrah, Santa Barbara County

2002 Wines

JAFFURS  2002 Viognier, Santa Barbara County
"...preserves its intense fruitiness,... brims with delicious flavors of ripe mango and guava, nectarine, pineapple, and vanilla.... beautiful stuff..."
  Score 91 Points , The Wine Enthusiast

Robert Parker, Jr., The Wine Advocate

2002 Jaffurs Syrah, Santa Barbara County, 88 points
“A fine effort revealing notes of herbaceous-tinged cassis and blackberry fruit as well as notions of toasty oak and earth in a feminine, well-made style with good complexity, balance, and harmony.”

2002 Jaffurs Syrah, Bien Nacido Vineyard, 89 points
“…the most potent (of the Jaffurs Syrahs). It exhibits a dense ruby/purple color as well as a notion of animal fur intermixed with black fruits, Asian spices, and wood. Medium-bodied, with elegant, crisp acids buttressing its black current and cherry fruit, this firm, well-delineated 2002 is ideal for drinking over the next 5-6 years.”

2002 Jaffurs Syrah, Thompson Vineyard, 88 points
“The deep ruby/purple colored Thompson reveals more new oak (which should ultimately be absorbed) than its siblings along with medium body, a tight knit style, and hints of cedar, chocolate, black currant, licorice, and pepper. Give it another 1-2 years of cellaring and consume it over the next 7-8 years.”

2002 Jaffurs Syrah, Melville Vineyard, 90 points
“Its saturated blue/purple/black color is accompanied by classic aromas of bacon fat and crème de cassis. The provocative aromatics lead to a tightly knit, medium to full- bodied Syrah possessing superb ripeness, purity and richness. It too requires 1-2 years of bottle age and should keep for a decade or more.”

2002 Jaffurs Syrah, Stolpman Vineyard, 89 points
“The most luscious aromatics emerge from the Stolpman Vineyard Syrah. This dense, ruby/purple colored effort exhibits complex scents of Asian spices, acacia flowers, blackberries, and currents. On the palate, it is layered, medium bodied, elegant, pure, and impressive. Drink it over the next 5-7 years.”

2001 Wines

Robert Parker, Jr., The Wine Advocate

JAFFURS  2001 Syrah, Thompson Vineyard
"... saturated ruby/purple color... layered flavors of blackberry and cherry... Provincal hebs..."
Score 89+ Points

JAFFURS  2001 Syrah, Melville Vineyard
"...profound aromatics,...acacia flowers, blabkberries,and cassis liqueur....opulent Syrah ...in a multipayered, powerful, concentrated style."
Score 91+ Points

JAFFURS  2001 Syrah, Stolpman Vineyard
" Tremendous fruit intensity and overall opulence and seamlessness.  Deep ruby/purple...  pure and delineated , with loads of jammy blackberry and cassis flavors,... sexy... "
Score 92 Points

JAFFURS  2001 Grenache, Stolpman Vineyard
" ...seductive, heady Grenache posses a medium ruby color as wwell as a gorgeous nose reminiscent of a Christmas gift shoop...this is sexy stuff."
Score 87 Points

JAFFURS 2001 Syrah, Santa Barbara County 
" ...outstanding 2001 Syrah's deep color is accompanied by big, sweet aromas of black cherries, blackberries, pepper, compost, and smoke... it is an excellent bargain fro a Syrah of this class."
Score 90 Points

 

Steve Tanzer's International Wine Cellar

JAFFURS  2001 Syrah, Thompson Vineyard
"bitter chocolate and mint,..., excellent persistence..."
Score 90(+) Points

JAFFURS  2001 Syrah, Melville Vineyard
"boysenberry, liquors, tar,... good thrust..."
Score 88 Points

JAFFURS  2001 Syrah, Stolpman Vineyard
" ...very ripe, a  coulis of black fruit lifted by a peppery quality..."
Score 90 Points

JAFFURS  2001 Grenache, Stolpman Vineyard
" ... complex nose,... spicy strawberry,... fairly structured..."
Score 90 Points

JAFFURS  2001 Syrah, Santa Barbara County 
" ...tightly wound fruit bomb with restrained sweetness..."
Score 90 Points , Steve Tanzer's International Wine Cellar

2000 Wines

JAFFURS  2000 Syrah, Thompson Vineyard
Exceptional purity and density,... another blockbuster effort..., Score 90 Points , The Wine Advocate

JAFFURS  2000 Syrah, Melville Vineyard
Opulent, sexy, full bodied..., Score 90 Points , The Wine Advocate

JAFFURS  2000 Syrah, Bien Nacido Vineyard
dark...spicy...seductive, fleshy..., Score 90 Points , The Wine Advocate

JAFFURS  2000 Syrah, Stolpman Vineyard
black current and cherry fruit..., Score 87 Points , The Wine Advocate

JAFFURS  2000 Viognier, Santa Barbara County  Exotic fruite,... pure, with excellent balance..., Score 88 Points , The Wine Advocate

1999 Wines

JAFFURS  1999 Syrah, Thompson Vineyard
Score 91 Points 
This small winery in Santa Barbara County specializes in tiny lots of vineyard designated, Rh(TM)ne-inspired wines. The 1999 Thompson Vineyard is the star among three new Syrah releases, but don't be disappointed if you find one of the others, as the three wines are more alike than different. Owner-winemaker Craig Jaffurs' sense of varietal expression comes through in each of these rich berry-, spice- and mineral-scented wines. The Thompson Vineyard bottling is the most tannic and complex, a generous mouthful of chewy berries. Wine Spectator/James Laube's  HOT Wines.  Week of 1/26/2001 on WINESPECTATOR.COM 

JAFFURS  1999 Syrah, Bien Nacido Vineyard
Score 90 Points
Rich and spicy, with good depth to the black cherry, raspberry, chocolate and sandalwood tones. The tannins and acid provide plenty of structure. Drink now through 2008.  Wine Spectator May 15, 2001.

JAFFURS  1999 Syrah, Stolpman Vineyard
Score 88 Points
Firm and structured, with black cherry, black currant, herb and subtle spice tones. Could use some food and time to lose the harder edges. Best from 2002 through 2007.  Wine Spectator May 15, 2001.

JAFFURS  1999 Syrah, Santa Barbara County
Score 88 Points
Intense and streamlined, with smoky game meat, roasted herb, spice and cocoa flavors. Firm, lean tannins linger with the spice and berry notes in the finish. Best from 2002 through 2007.   Wine Spectator May 15, 2001.

1998 and 1997 Wines

1998 SANTA BARBARA COUNTY, 4 1/2 stars
1998 BIEN NACIDO VINEYARD, 5 stars.
Two of the USA's best Syrahs.  The Santa Barbara bottling (1,200 cases) is full bodied and rich, tasting of ripe berries, clove, pepper, and mild new oak; the Bien Nacido (300 cases) is riper and richer, a fleshy, powerful Syrah, with intense fruit-and-spice character (black raspberry, clove, black pepper), and overtones of toast and milk.  Mildly tannic finish.  [2001-2003]  Ronn Wiegand, Issue 76 of Restaurant Wine.

1998 SANTA BARBARA COUNTY,  four stars
A fine Viognier: full and ripe, tasting of apples and honeysuckle, with peppery overtones.  Long finish.  Ronn Wiegand, Issue 76 of Restaurant Wine.

1998 SYRAH BIEN NACIDO VINEYARD, 92 Points.  Winemaker Craig Jaffurs has fashioned a very exciting syrah from an enclave rapidly making its name with this grape.  Very deep colour with lush, fragrant nose of ripe black cherry, vanilla and classic syrah smoked meat and charcoal.  Quite full, intense and well centered with tartish acid carrying the finish.  Well integrated if young tannin.  Excellent to outstanding length. Canada's Wine Access, June 2000.

1998 Syrah Thompson Vineyard Santa Barbara County:  Ruby-red.  Highly aromatic nose combines black raspberry, bacon fat, dark chocolate, black cardamom, mace, and nutmeg.  Juicy red berry and gunpowder flavors offer excellent intensity and grip.  Complicating notes of game, pepper and Christmas spices.  Finishes quite firm but with sweet tannins and very good persistence.  Very complex, medium bodied syrah with the structure to develop in bottle.  90 points.  Steve Tanzer?fs International Wine Cellar, May/June 2000.

1998 Syrah Bien Nacido Vineyard Santa Barbara County: Bright saturated ruby-red.  Perfumed, vibrant, complex aromas of blackberry, violet, lavender face powder and black pepper;  smells like Hermitage.  Silky, dense and concentrated, with strong acids giving the sappy berry and spice flavors excellent clarity.  As bright and youthful as it is, it?fs also broad and pliant.  Finishes with nicely integrated tannins and lingering berry and exotic spice flavors.  Superb California Syrah.   92 points  Steve Tanzer?fs International Wine Cellar, May/June 2000.

1998  Grenache Stolpman Family Vineyard Santa Barbara County:  Medium red. Spicy aromas of strawberry, red currant and mint.  Not especially fleshy or complex but offers good flavor intensity and brisk acidity.  Finishes dry but not hard.  Should make a good food wine.  86 points.  Steve Tanzer?fs International Wine Cellar, May/June 2000. 

1998 Syrah Santa Barbara County:  Medium ruby-red.  Nuanced nose of black raspberry, strawberry, cocoa powder and fresh herbs.  Fresh, bright and intensely flavored, with current and raspberry fruit that seemed to deepen as the wine opened in the glass.  Finishes long and quite firm, with bright acidity and slightly drying tannins.  Good snappy syrah.   88 points.   Steve Tanzer?fs International Wine Cellar, May/June 2000.

1998 Santa Barbara County Syrah - 2 puffs (that's really good) -  Simply bursting with sweet optimally ripened berries in both its carefully oaked aromas and its squeaky clean, lightly spicy flavors, this neatly proportioned Syrah wins acclaim for its vibrancy and pristine fruit.  Medium-full-bodied, slightly supple and quite long on the palate, it should continue to grow for three or four years.  Connoisseur's Guide, May 2000. 

1997 Syrah Stolpman Family Vineyard Santa Barbara County:  Ruby-red.  Brambly, zin-like aromas of raspberry, pomegranate, strawberry, wood smoke and spicy oak.   Juicy and firm, yet supple, with moderate flesh.  Still quite unevolved.  Rather bracing finish features ripe tannins and a suggestion of smoked meat.  88(+?) points.  Steve Tanzer?fs International Wine Cellar, May/June 2000.

1997 Syrah Bien Nacido Vineyard Santa Barbara County: Bright saturated ruby. Superripe, slightly roasted aromas of dark berries, woodsmoke, steak sauce and truffle; showed a complex animal/vegetal/mineral aspect that reminded me of a Cape Mantelle syrah. Sweet and lush, with slightly tart-edged, nicely delineated flavors of blackberry, pomegranate, and roasted meat with A-l steak sauce. The charred woodsmoke character carries through in the mouth. Finishes peppery, firm and persistent. (90(+?) Points) - Steve Tanzer?fs International Wine Cellar, May/June 1999. 

1997 Syrah Thompson Vineyard Santa Barbara County (14.2% alcohol, vs. 14% for the other two '97 syrahs): Saturated ruby. Superripe, deeply smoky aromas of black raspberry and bacon fat; primary fruit overwhelms the wine's oakiness. Dense, ripe. full and sweet in the mouth, but the urgent berry and violet flavors are impressively vibrant. Finishes with explosive peppery flavor and very suave tannin. Superb California syrah- but only 48 cases were made. (92 Points)- Steve Tanzer?fs International Wine Cellar, May/June 1999. 

1997 Syrah Santa Barbara County: Saturated ruby-red. Complex aromas of raspberry, leather, mocha, iron and flowers. Slightly bound-up, high-pitched flavors of tart berries began rather ungiving but softened up quickly. Perhaps not as complex as the two following single-vineyard syrahs, but sappy and supple on the aftertate- (89 (+?) Points) - Steve Tanzer?fs International Wine Cellar, May/June 1999. 

1997 Jaffurs Syrah Santa Barbara County, Score 89 Points, Ripe and juicy, with fleshy cherry, wild berry, plum and spice, plus subtle leather, mineral, sage and cedar notes. Long Finish. - The Wine Spectator, April 30, 1999. 

1997 Jaffurs Viognier Santa Barbara County, Score of two puffs (that's really great). If a little low keyed in its otherwise clean, fresh, vaguely oaky aromas, this weighty somewhat pallet-coating effort is long on richness in the mouth with well ripened fruit flavors of pear and lime, Neatly balanced by a trim bit of finishing acidity. The wine has good depth and overall density. Connoisseurs?f Guide, October 1999.

1997 Santa Barbara County Cuvee; grenache and syrah, supplemented by 17% cabernet franc--and it works!); Bright deep red. Expressive floral/spicy nose combines raspberry, red currant, cranberry, clove and orange peel. Supple but shapely; conveys an impression of strong extract. Impressive innermouth complexity. Firm, brisk finish. Terrific value. (90 Points) - Steve Tanzer?fs International Wine Cellar, May/June 1999.

1997 Mourvedre Stolpman Family Vineyard Santa Barbara County: Red-ruby. Nuanced, somewhat high-toned aromas of pungent red berries, iris, lead pencil. tree bark and leather. Juicy and quite dry in the mouth, with snappy, complex flavors of strawberry, blood orange, earth and Moroccan spices. Lovely inner-mouth florals. Finishes quite firm, even a bit hard-edged. Fascinating wine. (90 Points)- Steve Tanzer's International Wine Cellar, May/June 1999.