*** Chez Ray Lodi Syrah (S5, S'5, S5 Prime), 2005

Original Review, October, 2010:  This 2005 syrah from Lodi grapes was given preliminary notes as follows:

2005 Lodi Syrah, Lodi, CA (S5, code #46) - nice nose and fruit, rich, acidic, sweet, nice finish (90), hi-red nose, red burnt merlot, soft tannin, mid fruit, soft acid, soft alcohol, dry, lots of bite, very tasty

Now, following several years in the bottle, it shows as solid mid-red in color, not quite opaque in the center.  Poured cool with a brief decant, it shows a shy, slightly plumy nose, with the tiniest hint of savory earth.  On the palate, a gentle, spritzy, sweet, red berry sleekness comes to the mid-palate.  Tannins and acids are gentle.  A touch of sweet red currant heat to finish.  Just makes it to three stars on the five star Spirit of Wine scale.

*** Chez Ray Lodi Zinfandel (Z,5 - also Z5 underbar), 2005, CA

Original Review, October, 2008: This is a Lodi, CA, zinfandel, fermented from 2005 fresh grapes without stems. Here's our description from the wine blending party in October, 2006: "upfront aroma, concord grape flavor, nice, smooth, fruity (90), soft tannin, mid fruit, light acid, light alcohol, concord/zin, interesting, fruity but full".

Let's see what we've got after some time in the bottle...

Color is light red - gosh, almost pink - with a speck of orange at the edges. Aroma has a touch of charred oak, and a base of something I would almost call orange-grape. The palate is quite easy and pleasing. It shows light, easy, slightly sweet fruit, very mild acids and a graceful, though light, finish. I'd try it again, so it will just barely get three stars out of five on the Spirit of Wine scale.

Updated Review, two years later, October, 2010, now six years from vintage date:  Color is the same light red.  The orange and charcoal has now knitted nicely together on the palate - quite distinctive, light, mellow and aromatic.  The palate is still simple, light, sweet and easy.  

Review and Rating: **** 2006 State Lane Cabernet Sauvignon, Yountville, Napa, CA

Original Review, November, 2008: The 2006 State Lane Cabernet Sauvignon from Yountville, Napa, CA, is from a batch of frozen grapes from Brehm, fermented cool.

In the glass, this is medium ruby red. Aromas are bold and fragrant, well-perfumed of a deep fruit, hints of inky purple. On the palate, a pleasant front and middle - the tannins tap the front and roof of your mouth. Clean, fresh, bright, but no real acid bite at all. Light, fresh, subdued red cherry finish. Three stars out of five, using the Spirit of Wine scale.

Updated Review, two years later, November, 2010, now four years from harvest date:  Still medium ruby red, with hint of brick at the edge.  Poured cool with a brief decant, a fleshy and earthen midtone red.  On the palate, an impeccable, lithe red fruit balance.  Silky fruit with gentle tannins and acids carrying aromatic currants through and across your mouth, lightly lodging in your gums for a long and enticing finish.  Light weight, akin to a pinot noir, but excellent concentration. Now four stars with the extra age and brief decant.