**** Chez Ray Syrah Meritage, 2003 – Lodi, CA

Posted by Ben in 2003, General, Other, meritage, syrahMay 24th, 2010 | No Comments
Original Review, January, 2009: This is a mix of syrah, cabernet sauvignon, merlot and cabernet franc grapes from Valley Oaks Vineyards in Lodi, CA. Fermentation was warm in Pasteur Red yeast, pressing upon dryness. Earlier I tried a version of this called simply "Chez Ray Meritage", with a similar grape mixture - although the straight Meritage had a zinfandel instead of the cabernet franc. Syrah is the lead grape in this mix.

Color is similar to Chezy Ray Meritage 2003, with medium red touched by a hint of purple. Aromas are balanced, no plum overtones - seem mostly cabernet-esque. Palate opens with a full, round, lightly sweet middle, followed on by oakiness from the French oak chips used in aging. Balanced, accessible, pleasant. Very friendly. I would stay with this for an evening, so I'll go with four stars on the Spirit of Wine scale. No need for further aging - excellent drinking window now.
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Updated Review, almost a year and a half later, May, 2010:  Color now has hints of brick along with the purple.  Sweet oak on the nose along with plums.  Still full, even middle with toasty, warm oakiness.  Holding up well.

*** Chez Ray Meritage, 2003, Cabernet/Merlot/Zinfandel/Syrah, Lodi, CA

Posted by Ben in 2003, General, Other, cabernet sauvignon, meritage, merlot, syrah, zinfandelMay 20th, 2010 | No Comments
Original Review, November, 2008: This 2003 Chez Ray Meritage is made from fresh grapes from Lodi, CA - a mix of cabernet sauvignon, merlot, zinfandel and syrah. It was fermented warm with Pasteur Red yeast, pressed at dryness after about a week's fermentation. The grapes were fermented separately, then blended at bottling.

In the glass, this is medium dusty red, deepening at the center of the glass. Aromas are modest, funky, deep, round; like your nose is in the middle of an almost-overripe plum. On the palate, a middle round sweetness is the first impression, full of ripe blackberry fruit. Following that comes the impression of oak (from the French oak chips used in aging the wine), and a pleasant, even, sweet finish. Tannins have pretty well aged out of the five-year-old wine. Ready to drink now.

Three stars out of five on the Spirit of Wine scale, as I would definitely come back to this again.
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Updated review, a year and a half later, May, 2010:  Consistent color, aroma and flavors.  Holding up well.  Acids coming forward a bit.

***+ Chez Ray Merlot, 2003, Yakima Valley, WA

Posted by Ben in 2003, General, Other, merlotMar 2nd, 2010 | No Comments

Original Review, October, 2008: This 2003 Chez Ray Merlot is made from frozen grapes from Brehm Vineyards, fermented warm with Pasteur Red yeast, pressed at dryness.

Medium dusty red in the glass. No bricking yet, despite five years of age. Aromas are medium/shy, deep and ruddy. Only a hint of oak and deep fruit.

On the palate, you note a full, deep middle - somewhat inky - with even tannins coating the rest of your mouth. Finish is balanced, moderately long, fairly classic.

Three stars with a plus for classical beauty, using the Spirit of Wine scale.

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Updated Review, February, 2010:  Color, aromas and body have held very well during the past couple of years.  Now, furry and round on the finish.  Heading toward four stars. 

Review: ***+ Chez Ray Lanza Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon, 2003, North Coast, CA

Posted by Ben in 2003, General, Other, cabernet sauvignonSep 7th, 2009 | No Comments Review: This cabernet sauvignon is made of 100% frozen grapes acquired by Brehm Vineyards from Lanza Ranch in the North Coast, CA, area. It has now had over five years of aging.

In the glass, it is medium deep red, just starting to brick at the edge. Aroma is bold and sweet fruity with red currant. On the palate, a sweet, tannic, ripe plum first hits the back of your palate, bringing a sinking sweet robe of fruit as follow-on. Touch of ripe raspberry melds with the mild acids to turn the tannins into a long-finish. Three stars with a plus on the Spirit of Wine scale.