Chateau Haut-Brisson-La Reserve-Merlot-Cabernet Sauvignon-Cabernet Franc-Saint-Emilion Grand Cru-France-2007-12.5% Alcohol-$25.00-A disjointed nose of some funk and spice, dark garnet in color.  A dry, medium to full bodied Bordeaux blend, with austere dark fruit, not a wine to drink without food, decanted , got a bit better 2nd day.  The 2006 was much better.          RP-90          CR-84          Good with food, not by itself.

Austin Hope Winery-Syrah-Hope Family Vineyard-Paso Robles-California-2009-13.5% Alcohol-$22.99-A nose of dark fruits and spice, dark purple in color.  A full bodied single vineyard Syrah, with blackberry, black cherry, some dusty cocoa, long spicy finish, delicious wine, a very good QPR.          RP-91          WS-91          WE-92          CR-91          Good with meats, chicken, pasta. 

style. On the nose, there are lush blueberries and blackberries as well as an intense, bacon fat note. In the mouth the wine offers sweetness and bright fruit flavors up front. But toward the back of the palate it moves into more subtle, earthy, herbal and meaty notes, which linger on the respectably long finish.