'03 Tobin James Cabernet Sauvignon/Syrah

[Innkeeper]

2003 Tobin James, James Gang Reserve, Paso Robles, Cabernet Sauvignon/Syrah ($38). Alcohol level: 15%. It came in the Fall/05 shipment. It contains 50% of each grape. This was an admitted attempt by TJ to emulate the blends coming out of Oz. As is their wont, they came up with something completely different.

You start with a huge load of black and red fruit on the nose and upfront. In the middle you find a very complex and well balanced wine despite the high octane that includes much more fruit, smooth tannin, a hint of spice, and a touch of Paso dirt. The finish lingers and lingers. It was much more jammy and less peppery than Australian versions.

We matched it with fillet mignon rubbed with Morton rub, wrapped in partially cooked bacon, and grilled over charcoal hunks and hickory chips; along with roast fingerling potatoes and a salad with raspberry/hazelnut vinaigrette.

[Innkeeper]

Popped the '04 that came in the Fall '06 shipment last Saturday. It could have been a twin brother of the '03.

This time we matched it with seared and roasted strip steaks (it was pouring outside), sourdough broule, and salad. It hardly gets any better. Felt the 15% alky as I retired.

[Innkeeper]

Popped the '05 (Fall '08 shipment) tonight. This is a fantastic wine year in and year out. We matched it with a seared and roasted rib eye, a half of a broule, and two basket rippened Brandywines. Just great!!!

[Innkeeper]

It was time for the '06 last night. Enjoyed half of it with grilled rib eye steak, roasted Baby Yukons, and salad. Will have the other half tonight with something else. This is a very nice wine and dependable year after year.

[Innkeeper]

We popped the 2008 tonight. It is now 65% Syrah and 35% Cabernet Sauvignon this time. This despite the Fall '11 said it was fity/fity. The list price held at $38 for at least five years, but as I indicated it came with the wine club shipment. The alcohol with 15.2%; yikes! Despite all the above, it is still a wonderful wine. The tilt in favor of Syrah just made it better IMHO. Wish I had more.

We matched it with steak tips Teriyaki grilled over charcoal and wild cherry chips along with a split eggplant straight from our garden; and pilaf cooked in turkey stock, and salad with tomato, lettuce, and cucumber from our garden and onion from the store. A really great dinner.