2006 Tobin James Lagrein Silver Reserve

Brought over to Jim and Stacy's tonight in Chesterfield to enjoy with them and Johnny D and Liz. Enjoyed this after a nice Stag's Leap viogner with sushi. Definitely not the best pairing with the sushi, or after the viogner for that matter, but still a nice wine. Old Tobin James and Lance have done it again with another great, albeit over the top wine. One of only 3 wineries making a straight Lagrein in the states, but who knows, that could change in time. No blend needed on this wine, and it is a joy to drink, but what "Toby's" aren't? Very dark color in the glass...almost black like tar. Speaking of tar, lots of tar on the nose, with some jammy raspberry and other black fruits, and hints of spice. On the palate, this wine opened up nicely into another Tobin James fruit bomb. Sure, might not be a classic Lagrein from Italy, but how can you not love these over the top, new world, fruit forward wines. What a joy! Tons of dark fruit on the palate, and almost a bit zinfandel/syrah esque. Lots of jammy fruit once this wine opened up, with raspberry and black cherry. Sublte spices, a smooth finish, with well integrated tannins make this wine yet another Tobin James winner. Great job Toby and Lance! 86 points. Cheers!