Produced from 100% Petit Syrah, 2008 The Howling Dog Very displays a very deep garnet-purple color and intense prune and creme de cassis aromas with hints of potpourri, fresh figs and Chinese five spice. Condensed and full-bodied in the mouth, it has medium high acid and a medium-firm level of chewy tannins, finishing long. Drinking now, it should cellar to 2015+.With his family growing grapes since 1844, Dan Standish represents the sixth generation in this line. He started the Standish label in 1999 and Massena in 2000 with partner Jaysen Collins. None of the team here is formally trained in winemaking, with Standish learning through experience at some top wineries including Torbreck. Standish and Collins are becoming increasingly hands-off in the winery and the last few vintages they’ve been adding nothing -- no cultured yeasts, no acid and no tannins.Importer: Epicurean Wines, Seattle, WA; tel. (206) 923-1376

The 2006 Howling Dog Petite Syrah spent 20 months in French oak hogsheads. Purple/black in color, it delivers an expressive nose of pure blackberry and licorice. Dense and structured on the palate, it has the full tannin characteristic of the grape as well as loads of spicy black fruit. It will require extended cellaring of at least 6-8 years to begin to open up but the balance is there for a very long life. Drink it from 2016 to 2046. The Massena wines are made by the talented Dan Standish.Importer: Ben Hammerschlag, Epicurean Wines, Seattle, WA; tel. (206) 923-1376