REVIEWS
From The Wine Advocate, issue #174:
2003 Westerly Vineyards Syrah "Cote Blonde"
Rating: 95 points
The 2003 Syrah Estate Reserve Cote Blonde is a dead-ringer for a great 2003 Cote Rotie (not on the scidified, vegetal efforts that were prevalent in that vintage). Co-fermented with 6% Viognier, this spectacular, layered, exquisite Syrah is a perfect hybrid of French savoir faire and California fruit. It offers beautiful bacon fat, raspberry, cassis and tapenade aromas, spectacular richness as well as opulence, and a velvety texture. This amazingly complex effort is an example of what can be acheived in certain areas of California's Central Coast. It should drink well for a decade or more.
From The Wine Advocate, issue #166:
2005 Westerly Vineyards Viognier
Rating: 91 points
A successful effort is the 2005 Viognier. Honeyed apricot, peach, and floral notes are offered in a vivid, expressive, full-bodied format. With terrific underlying acidity as well as a hint of minerals, it should provide plenty of pleasure over the next year.
2004 Westerly Vineyards W Blanc (Roussanne/Viognier)
Rating: 90 points
The 2004 W Blanc Estate (75% and 25% respectively) exhibits a light gold color along with a gorgeous nose of honeyed flowers and tropical fruits, good underlying acidity, and bold, exuberant, intense flavors nicely buttressed by acidity and tannin. This serious, French-styled white is reminiscent of an exotic white Hermitage. Drink it over the next several years.
From The Wine Spectator, online:
2004 Westerly Vineyards Syrah Santa Ynez Valley
Rating: 92 points
Bold, ripe and concentrated, with rich currant, black cherry and blackberry fruit that's well-centered, elegant and balanced, finishing with a long, complex, fruity aftertaste. Drink now through 2012. -JL
