Lindquist’s homage to a southern Cotes du Rhone is his 2005 Los Olivos Cuvee, a blend of 40% Syrah, 37% Mourvedre, and 23% Grenache. It is a world-class effort displaying notes of tapenade, sweet black cherry and cassis fruit, earth, pepper, roasted herbs, and a subtle hint of smoke. This wine comes across like a Crozes-Hermitage from a fine vintage in France’s northern Rhone Valley. Drink this value-priced blend over the next 4-5 years. Tel. 805-937-9801

Made in a Crozes-Hermitage style with hints of bacon fat and tapenade, the 2004 Los Olivos Cuvee (48% Syrah, 32% Mourvedre, and 20% Grenache) exhibits a deep ruby color as well as good ripeness and spiciness. Drink this monolithic, straightforward offering over the next 2-3 years. Tel. 805-937-9801