PALO ALTO RESERVE - 2006

After the absolutely amazing debut of the 2005 Palo Alto, the 2006 breaks on the scene. The '05 Palo Alto was hands down the best bargain wine I discovered last year. It was shockingly good and I gave it a stunning 93 PT review. I still have a case left in the cellar and those bottles are getting better by the day.

So it was with eager anticipation that I opened the 2006. This wine was created by the same producers that bring you the heralded Almaviva. A blend of Cabernet, Syrah, and Carmenere. From Concha Y Toro and the Maule Valley in Chile with 13% alcohol.

TASTING NOTES:

Purple-red color with an austere, vegetal nose of green pepper and red fruit. Flavors of cranberry, raspberry, plum, black pepper and a big sour cherry finish. Sharp and tart on the palate with bold acidity.

SCORE & RECOMMENDATION:

87+PTS

What a difference a year makes! Not sure what the final blend was but it looks like there's more Syrah in the mix and less Carmenere. Perhaps it wasn't as good of vintage or maybe the quality of the grapes were pulled back, but this is a huge step down from the previous release. They overdelivered the first time around and this offering simply comes up short. Still an enjoyable wine for $11 but this one won't impress your friends.