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Reviews for the 2005 Petite Rousse Paso Robles Syrah:
"This earthy Paso Robles Syrah with appealing cherry aromas comes from a practicing-biodynamic winemaker, Tim Spear, who says it was fermented while classical music was playing." Lettie Teague "Blindfold me and I'll identify this wine as old-world. From somewhere in the South of France. Complex, country air, ripe blue fruits with hints of pepper and smoked meat and smoldering vineyard clippings and... I could go on and on... Frankly, I am not a fan of wine scores. Having a trained palate myself, I often find that I disagree with the scores provided by various rating systems. And this one is no exception. While I'm pleased to see that we continue to discover wines that receive good scores, I would put this wine into the 90's without hesitation." Dave Chambers "An earthy style, with distinctive beefy, peppery flavors that are full-bodied, picking up an herbal edge. Well-proportioned and smooth-textured. Drink now through 2011. 3,744 cases made. (87 points)" James Laube "Medium ruby. Initially a touch volatile, but quickly shaped up to display fresh raspberry and cherry aromas, with complicating notes of suave mocha and cracked pepper. Pliant red fruit preserve flavors are brightened by peppery spices, with no obvious tannins. Finishes with lively acidity and earthy red berry character. Intriguing and very Old World in style, offering good complexity for the price. (89 points)" Josh Raynolds "Very Crozes-Hermitage-like, winemaker/proprietor Tim Spears' 2005 Petite Rousse offers sweet red cherry and darker currant notes with some tapenade, spice box, and roasted herbs in a supple-textured, medium-bodied, delicious, and complex wine meant for drinking in its first 4-5 years of life. Like all the wines at this artisinal winery, it is bottled unfined and unfiltered. This is always a dead ringer for a French northern Rhone, and the 2005 continues that pattern. It is also an excellent bargain. (89 points)" Robert M. Parker, Jr. "At $20, the Petite Rousse Syrah from Clos Mimi has always been the screaming value among California's limited production, quality syrahs. The last Vintage Parker rated, for instance, the 2003, he gave 92 points, calling it 'a marvelous effort as well as a super value. It's a shame there are not more high-quality, personality-filled wines such as this from California.' And though he hasn't reviewed the 2005 yet, it is very clearly the finest and most delicious Petite Rousse yet. Owner/winemaker Tim Spear calls it 'the most aromatic vintage to date. The 2005 Petite Rousse reminds me of a Mazis-Chambertin.' Which for a 100% Paso Robles syrah is high praise indeed! It's also perhaps the only California syrah at anywhere near this price that's aged in 100% top quality French oak (and Bordeaux barrels at that). If the 2003 was a Parker 92, I have to imagine this clearly superior 2005 is a 93 or 94." Chrish Peel "First up, Clos Mimi's 2005 Petite Rousse. One hundred percent Paso Robles Syrah, as the label says. The aroma is all flowers and red berries, then it's a medium-bodied lush red with meaty/sweet red fruit flavor, a touch of green peppercorn, and a survivable 14.5% alcohol. Reminds me more of, well, Paso Robles Syrah than France, but there's a nifty little Renoir mademoiselle burnt into the cork, in case you miss its intended stylistic antecedents. $19." Ray Isle
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