This ruby and garnet hued wine sparkles in the glass. The nose presents itself with an earthy spiciness layered with stone fruits such as plum, and black cherry and married with hints of cola nut, strawberry and orange peel. The fleshier fruits become more pronounced in the nose as the wine warms and opens up in the glass. The attack on the mouth is fruit forward with bright acidity and silky yet substantial tannins. All of this is nicely balanced with the smoky notes from the French oak. This vintage of the Alyssa dances beautifully with food and opens up nicely in the glass with time, drink now until 2012.
450 Cases
While deeper and more intense in color than the Alyssa, the color spectrum of the Thomas runs more in that of red than blue. The intensity of the color announces the warm earthy aromatics which are coupled with layers of dark chocolate, blackberry and blueberry mingling with notes of lavender and mace. The attack on the pallet is opulent fruit, bright acidity and silky tannins. The heavy toast of the French oak tames and smoothes the bold grape tannins resulting in a wine with the texture of a fine chocolate. This vintage of Thomas wants to rest in the glass or decanter and to be savored at room temperature and shows good aging potential.
100 Cases
True to variety and vintage, this wine has moderately-deep color and a tanning profile to match. Bright in aromatics, elegant and silky, notes of wild strawberry, sandalwood and blueberry compliment an earthy palate of red cherry, chocolate and cinnamon. The red fruit components combine with a lush texture and smooth tannins to compliment a nuanced finish of vanilla and spice.