Tobin James Petite Sirah

[Innkeeper]

1998 Tobin James, Paso Robles, Ranchita Canyon Vineyard, Petite Sirah ($18.00). Took a chance and popped one tonight. Yes! Another inky red color, lots of black fruit (cherries, berries, currents) on the nose and upfront along with a healthy dose of pepper. Spicy complexity with very Rhoney nuances on the palate, and a most happy finish. Tannin not completely tame, but left the tooth enamel in place. Would it, could it improve. Yeah! Have more and will let them hang in there for awhile.

Paired with some of the most fantastic lamb loin chops seen in a long time. Picked them up from the Brunswick Commissary today. Simply broiled with OO, salt, pepper, and granulated garlic; they were terrific with a tossed salad and the PS.

[This message has been edited by Innkeeper (edited 08-27-2006).]

[Bucko]

Baby killer!

Bucko

[Innkeeper]

OK, we waited five more years and opened two today for Easter dinner of roast leg-of-lamb with pan gravy; flageolets in Southern French tomato, onion, parsley, garlic, etc sauce; glazed carrots, rolls, etc. It still showed black cherries, berries, and currents, lots of peppery complexity and Paso dirt in the middle; and smooooooooooth tannin. Lovely finish. Still have one left.

Even a daughter and a friend that don't drink much wine loved it, and son-in-law, my lovely and I killed the rest.

Happy Easter, Passover, Spring Break to one and all.

[Innkeeper]

Opened our last bottle tonight with grilled Chicken sausages stuffed with roasted garlic and more. Had baked potato and salad with it. Very, very nice.

[Innkeeper]

Had the other half tonight with charcoal grilled 2" thick lamb steaks with yellow birch chips after being treated with EVOO, garlic and mint. The only other thing was green beans almondine.

It is simply wonderful looking at a glass with pitch black wine in it that is completely smooth and delicious. Great midweek dinner. Hope you did as well.