The Poor Man's Silver Oak

Tried the Mantra 75/25 Cabernet Sauvignon at Tannins (wine bar/restaurant in San Juan Capistrano). I have tried it several times before and still think of it as the poor mans' Silver Oak (Alexander Valley). Luscious, sexy fruit, a supple wine with nice body and with enough character to keep you thinking. The fruit comes 75% from Alexander Valley (for the sexiness) and 25% from Dry Creek Valley to give it some complexity. Lots of black fruit (blackberries and such). A very pretty wine. Don't go into it, expecting a carbon copy of Silver Oak, it is not quite as syrupy, but then again you are paying $22 instead of $70.

Priorat... fancy name, sexy taste

Tonight I tried "Les Terrasses" 2004 Priorat by Alvaro Palacios ($32). 30% Garnacha, 60% Cariñena, and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. It is a beautiful, sexy wine. Fruity, but with structure and silky. Almost TOO silky, but that's a good thing. Alvaro was once a winemaker for Petrus (not too shabby). Miles would have loved this.