"I had the pleasure of tasting this outrageously good wine at the recent Hospice du Rhone in Paso. Despite its price, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it, as it will no doubt be considered a part of the county's viticultural history in years to come. I was struck by its complexity. As one flavor faded from my palate, it would be replaced by another. I like the Wine Enthusiast's description---"reeks of authority and class."

Julian Sudano
Wine columnist
New Times
5-12 July 2001

CLOS MIMI
A NEW AMERICAN CLASSIC
"Syrah continues its ascent to the pantheon of great American wines. There seems to be little doubt that ten years from now collectors will be talking about the 'classic Syrah' in the same reverential tones once reserved for Cabernet. Scores will rise into the stratosphere. Hearts will beat faster at the mention of certain producers. Wallets will empty. Clos Mimi is sure to be one of those classics. There is really nothing quite like it in California right now. It is huge, balanced, perfectly ripe with exotic fruit and spice and almost approachable after an hour of breathing. Its size and impeccable construction (an open bottle lasted two weeks before the first sign of oxidation) suggest that in ten years it will equal the great wines of Hermitage. It is perhaps the most expensive California Syrah yet. The cost is a function of its quality and limited availability. But if you buy it you will be buying a treasure."

Mark Estrin
The Wine House
Los Angeles
November 2000

"… the Shell Creek Vineyard, which has made an instant star out of the small artisan operation of Clos Mimi."

Robert M. Parker, Jr.
The Wine Advocate
Issue 127
28 February 2000

"While not as much of a blockbuster as the phenomenal 1996, Clos Mimi's 1997 is still an outstanding wine. Dense ruby/purple-colored , with the tell-tale blackberry, peppery aromas, this elegant offering exhibits abundant glycerin, a seductive texture, full body, sweet fruit, and significant length. The 1996 is more powerful and concentrated, but the 1997 is more charming and open-knit. Clos Mimi is an impressive, impeccably made wine. Anticipated maturity: now-2010. These people are serious! (90 points)"

Robert M. Parker, Jr.
The Wine Advocate
Issue 126
2000

Number 37 of Top 100 Wines of 1999

Wine Enthusiast
December 1999

"Maybe the best Syrah in Paso Robles. From a small new winery, this amazing Syrah is extraordinarily aromatic, with plum, prune, blackberry, coffee-bean and tobacco notes. Huge depth of flavor and a superb structure. Pretty tannic now and needs time. Reeks of authority and class. (94 points)"

Steve Heimoff
Wine Enthusiast
October 1999