Reviews for the 2002 Petite Rousse Paso Robles Syrah:

"A beautiful Syrah, complex and delicious, with lots of finesse, from Clos Mimi. Impresses for the depth of its plum, currant, chocolate, coffee, oak and spice flavors, and rich, sweet tannins. Right up there with the best of them, at a fair price. (91 points)"

Wine Enthusiast
April 2004

"This is a California monster of a syrah that's nevertheless drinkable, thanks in large part to its adequate acidity despite the 15 percent alcohol level. The tooth-staining level of tannins, which bodes well for aging, also helps. This is a true, curl-up-by-the-fire cold weather wine, with qualities reminiscent of an expensive French Cornas."

Jon Christensen
The Columbus Dispatch
Ohio
24 December 2003

"Luckily, there are 2,500 cases of this unfined, unfiltered, exposively-scented, richly-textured, full-bodied red. Made from Syrah, it offers big, smoky, earthy scents intermixed with notions of saddle leather, licorice, and copious blackberry as well as cassis fruit. Drink it over the next 5-6 years. It is an outstanding value. (90 points)"

Robert M. Parker, Jr.
The Wine Advocate
Issue 150
23 December 2003

"This is the kind of wine I like to call 'get lucky wine.' I could not believe how succulent and sexy this wine was... it was like chewing on fresh, ripe blueberries, and drinking the color purple. If anyone can sip this vino with a loved one (or new one) and not feel like it is Valentines Day, I will give you a refund out of my own wallet."

Jennifer O'Neil
Pike & Western Wine Shop
Seattle
October 2003

MY 2003 TOP 25 WINES
"You may remember last year when Tim Spear introduced us to his magical 2001 Petite Rousse, an absolutely astounding wine for the price. This wine is even better. When first poured, the wine has a tactile grip on the tongue, belying the creamy, black cherry, blueberry sorbet and cocoa nose. Hours later, and given some time to warm up, the wine develops additional dimension. What was once a noticeably tight palate fleshes out to show beautiful length, pepper, blueberry and gingerbread. If you hesitate on this wine, don't ever say you didn't know. Oh yeah, I didn't mention this wine was opened Friday evening, and I am writing my notes Monday night! Deadly serious wine. (19.5/20 points) "

Doug Wilder
Dean & Deluca
Saint Helena
September 2003