Recent Wines - Ojai, Lato and Sanguis

[Steve Anderson]

Have to catch up on some nice Santa Barbara wines after not posting for about a month.

1997 Ojai Henry Daniel Syrah: Some bottle variation if you look at CT notes, but I have been lucky and 3 for 3 in the auction bottles I’ve had over the past two years. At this stage of its life it may all depend on how the bottles were stored. This one still at or near prime, with black cherry, plum, some smoked meat and leather. Still has a gorgeous mouth feel and still one of my top 5 Santa Barbara Syrahs of all time. I’d say drink them if you have one, and if you see a bottle at auction for a reasonable price, grab it. Just found a few more, so will be happy to share (haven’t received them yet so hoping they are in good shape!). 75% Thompson and 25% Bien Nacido. Special bottling to celebrate the birth of one of Adam's sons.

2005 Paul Lato Skywatcher Syrah (For Those Who Gaze): Among other great auction finds the past two years have been the 2003 Paul Lato Quo Vadis and 05 Skywatcher Bien Nacido Syrahs. Opened this for visiting house guests. Nice structure and surprisingly light on its feet. Slightly austere and not fruit forward, but with some raspberry and dark cherry in the background. Probably could have used a bit more air, but did not get it with four of us finishing this in about 30 min. Have two more and will try the next one over 2-3 nights which is more the norm for me.

2005 Sanguis The Optimist Syrah: Another one that probably could have used more air. Still tight on opening, more so than the 2004’s from about 6 months ago. Smooth texture with dark fruits and a bit of meat. Again, gone in 30 min or less with four of us. Unfortunately I don’t have another to follow over 2-3 days to get a better impression. Combination of Watch Hill, Westerly and Thompson fruit. 97% Syrah, 3% Viognier.

Cheers,

Steve

[sbfireman]

Nice notes on nice wines!! I'm a huge fan of Paul Lato and Sanguis (Ojai rocks it too!!!) Cant say enough good things

[larryschaffer]

Steve,

Great write up indeed.

Have enjoyed that 97 on 3 or 4 occasions, and my experience has mirrored yours - lots of bottle variation. When it's on, it's magical, but when it's not, bummer . . .

That Paul Lato is a real find - used to only make a barrel or so of Syrah from Bien Nacido each year (until he realized how much he could sell them for!). I've always found Paul's syrahs on the 'elegant' side - wonderful aromatics, decent structure, but I've always wondered if they had the 'stuffing' to go out many years. Based on this, I guess the answer is yes, eh?!?!?

Cheers!

[Steve Anderson]

Steve,

Great write up indeed.

Have enjoyed that 97 on 3 or 4 occasions, and my experience has mirrored yours - lots of bottle variation. When it's on, it's magical, but when it's not, bummer . . .

That Paul Lato is a real find - used to only make a barrel or so of Syrah from Bien Nacido each year (until he realized how much he could sell them for!). I've always found Paul's syrahs on the 'elegant' side - wonderful aromatics, decent structure, but I've always wondered if they had the 'stuffing' to go out many years. Based on this, I guess the answer is yes, eh?!?!?

Cheers!

Larry,

The 03 Lato BN Syrah (Quo Vadis) is also drinking very well, so they have shown the potential to go strong at least 10 years. Still a beautiful, savory bottle.

Found six more bottles of the '97 Ojai HD at auction for a steal of a price, so will hope for some more "on" bottles!

Cheers!

Steve