Barrel 27

Last night we went to How's Market after I got off work to go to their Friday night tasting. Lucky for me they were having a special tasting of Barrel 27 wines, with a couple of Russel's Herman Story thrown in the mix.

2005 Barrel 27 Rose
2007 Barrel 27 "High On The Hog"
2006 Herman Story Grenache, Santa Barbara County
2005 Barrel 27 Syrah, Central Coast
2005 Barrel 27 Syrah, "Head Honcho"
2006 Herman Story "Nuts & Bolts"
? Groth Cabernet Sauvignon, Oakville

I liked the "High On The Hog," it was a viognier/marsanne/rousanne blend. Good stuff. I bought a bottle of the rose even though our taste of it wasn't that great. I think the bottle had been open for a while (maybe a week or so), but it tasted like it would be good under proper conditions. We'll pop it open this coming Spring/Summer. Really liked the "Head Honcho" and the "Nuts and Bolts," but the $35 price tag was a little steep for the moment. Also bought a bottle of the Central Coast Syrah, for $15 you can't go wrong. Overall it seems like you can't go wrong with these guys (Barrel 27, McPrice Meyers, or Herman Story), all fantastic Rhone producers. And Mac and Russell are great guys as well. Next time we're up in Paso going to have to stop by Mac's new place, he just moved in to the old Garretson place.

It was weird to follow up the Rhones with the Napa Cab. It was good, just so different from the prior stuff. I think it was the 2004, but I couldn't confirm that.