Even though the 2005 Outsider has no Pinot Noir in the blend, it reminded me of a grand cru from the Cote de Beaune (especially a Corton). A 500-case blend of 70% Zinfandel, 27% Syrah, and 3% Mourvedre, it exhibits a lovely minerality along with notes of flowers, sweet cherries, and loamy soil. A cool climate, Burgundian-styled effort with an expansive mouthfeel, it is an enticing, provocative red that I would love to insert into a blind tasting of grand cru Burgundy.
Tel. (805) 227-0797; Fax (805) 227-4868