Firestone

TRL/Staff/Wine: 10/7/6

Generally speaking, all of the wines lacked structure and acidic backbone. The tasting room was huge, accommodating three dozen patrons (by my rough count) with charm and sophistication. Overall, the wines produced by this vintner left me with the impression that they were catering to a specific demographic; the young, emerging oenophiles with juvenile palates. The quality reaches new heights of mediocrity, which certainly has a profitable place in the market. Yes…I’m saying they sold out.

2007 Pinot Noir, Santa Barbara County:25/19/29
Light nose, mildly spicy and semi-dried fruit (strawberry). Palate mirrors the nose with more “presence”. The right glass will mean the difference. Spice will emerge in the right glass.

2007 Cabernet Franc: 22/17/18
If you’re accustomed to Northern California Cab Francs, then this will befuddle you. It has none of the prominent characteristics you’d come to expect, such as the green pepper on the nose. It is a smooth, flavorful cab franc, nonetheless. It’s an inexpensive date, but not too cheap.

2006 Syrah: 18/14/18
Nose is bright with both fresh and dried cranberries, tempered with a little cassis. The palate speaks of a full-bodied Grenache, not a syrah.

2006 Lineage, Chairman Series: 35/26/-
This is their flagship Bordeaux blend (all five grapes). Northern California has an edge on this Bordeaux blend. Smooth, but the flavors are extremely muted! It has the body of a Pinot Noir and the flavors of…I don’t know what.

2006 Cabernet Sauvignon, Chairman Series: 35/26/30
No tannic structure. Simple plum/boysenberry. Nose holds back the flavors to come. The most flavorful, to be sure. If you’re introducing someone to Cabernet Sauvignon, this isn’t the one to choose.