Doug Powers

9.3

So, Barbara and Jim Richards (RIP) planted 5 acres back in 1991 (1990?) of Syrah on the northeast (downslope) corner of their Paloma vineyard on Spring Mountain in what visually looked like a “low spot” (partially shaded and also maybe an area that maybe occasionally got standing water back in the days when California got enough rain). The rest of the vineyard was of course Merlot and also some Cabernet Sauvignon used mostly for blending with their fantastic mountain Merlot. The vineyard is just east of Pride Mountain and across the road from what used to be (??) Schweiger Vineyards.

Anyway, Bob Foley, who was making the wines for Pride in those early days, was consulting for Barbara and Jim early on, but I have ZERO information as to what involvement he had with the Syrah, if I recall correctly, the first Syrah in 1995 was less than a barrel (12-15 cases), and was aged in a super OLD, neutral barrel. My Chicago friends, who knew the Richards, dragged me along to taste that fateful day. That 1995 Syrah, first wine they ever made from those young Syrah vines, was, frankly, eye-opening and FANTASTIC, as I told Jim Richards that day. After tasting the INCREDIBLE 1995 Syrah, which was so northern Rhône-like and so pure, I begged Jim to sell me a bottle or two, but he politely declined. Later that day, after tasting the rest of their great wines, as we were leaving, Jim GAVE me a 4-pack box of that 1995 Syrah, which he wouldn’t accept any $$$ for, and that 1995 Syrah still in my memory remains the GREATEST CA Syrah I’ve ever tasted!!

As you can probably tell, I adored Jim and Barbara Richards, amazing people and generous to a fault!! Amazing people!!! I don’t think I ever met their son, Sheldon, but from all accounts he is continuing the tradition of great Paloma wines, though that great Syrah vineyard was pulled out in the early 2000s — Sheldon, if you happen to see this post, I welcome any corrections if I got any details wrong!!

Oh, and this Syrah is pretty dang good as well!!! — 12 days ago

with Jim

Davenport Edwards

9.2

Fun, vibrant — 3 years ago

Doug Powers

9.6

Wow, super complex redfruits, rich and structured mountain fruit, layers of flavors, the fruit still quite youthful, very long, lingering finish, best bottle of this 1995 Paloma Merlot I’ve ever had, fantastic!! — 6 months ago

with Jim

Robert Henalt

9.3

Delicious! Red berries, smooth — 8 months ago

Paula Strebig

9.3

Pale blush. Paloma on the nose. Hints of strawberries and honeysuckle with crisp, pleasant, key lime zest finish. ( smoked pork chops, local asparagus, sautéed mushrooms. The first rose’ on the lanai this season - Memorial Day weekend) — a year ago

with Tim

Boris Mathiszik

9.0

Fruit forward Paso cab. Mellow tannins, jumps right out of the bottle. — 3 years ago

Seth Masterson

9.0

Same name but now a rosè of Grenache.
Crunchy, tart, refreshing, highly drinkable, almost effervescent. It reminds me of a paloma - enough tequila to keep it interesting, grapefruit juice and squirt to keep me asking for more — 7 months ago

Seth Masterson

9.0

Crunchy and tasty and refreshing and all the things you would want on a summer Saturday in Sonoma.
It's a Paloma of wines - grapefruit and squirt with a touch of effervescence (served from C02 kegs) but enough tequila to keep it interesting — 7 months ago

Monique Gillioen

9.3

Great value € 10 at retail in Bodega Xabia — 3 years ago

Bonnie Chu

9.1

Fab campsite setup bevvie, pre-sunset — 3 years ago