Mike Giffin

9.1

Deep ruby red in the glass, floral nose, very fruit forward with ripe plum and refined tannins. Not sure if this will develop more with a couple more years in the bottle - it seems like it should, but was smooth and not at all tight. Lacked the spices, pepper and currant that I prefer in my bigger go-to Syrahs. — 4 years ago

Mike Giffin

9.4

A gem from the hit or miss Temecula area, one of my everyday go-to wines. Earthy with dark fruit, tobacco and black pepper on the nose, but continues to evolve after opening - must enjoy over a couple of hours to appreciate how it opens up. A big, bold red, complex, black currant for days with just enough fruit (boysenberries, blackberries) that don't overpower like many Temecula wines. Can drink now or lay down. 86% Syrah, 9% Petit Verdot, 5% Petit Syrah. — 5 years ago

Mike Giffin

9.4

We used to go wine tasting years back with a level 2 Somm who used to describe a highly complex, deeply pungent, earthy wine as Nasty! This was one of the biggest compliments that he would give a wine as he smiled and took another sip. To me, this is that wine - Wow. Bold, bold Temp/Barbera blend. Deep, dark fruit, licorice, sulfur, blueberries and tons of earth that make this nasty in the best sense of the word! — 5 years ago

Mike Giffin

9.1

The Sea Smoke Ten or Southing is our Easter dinner tradition. The 2015 Southing was not on par with the run of phenomenal vintages from '12-'14. Light earthiness on the nose, medium bodied with blackberry and spices but never opened up the way I have come to expect from a bottle of Sea Smoke. A good drinking wine, but there are much better years out there. — 5 years ago