Praise for Vagabond
2004
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate Dec 2006 Rating 91 Drink 2006-2014
An impressive new offering is the 580-case 2004 Vagabond, a blend of 60% Syrah and 40% Cabernet Sauvignon. Aged completely in French oak, it boasts a dense ruby/purple hue, a big, sweet, blackberry, flower, pepper, coffee, and chocolate-scented bouquet, full body, and a soft, expansive style. Drink it over the next 7-8 years. A barrel sample of a 100% 2005 Syrah may or may not become the Vagabond, but I did not think it was as dramatic as the 2004.
Wine Spectator Mar 31, 2007 Rating 91
Shows wonderful intensity and purity of fruit, with spicy, peppery blackberry and wild berry flavors and hazelnut and cedar notes. Deftly balanced and persistent on the finish, gaining complexity. Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon. Drink now through 2011. 600 cases made. ’ÄìJL Score: 91
Connoisseurs Guide to California Wine. July 2007 Rating: Two Puffs
Claus Janzen:
** jm VAGABOND Napa Valley 2004
60% Syrah; 40% Cabernet Sauvignon. Given its varietal mix, it is not especially surprising that this imposing, full-bodied bottling speaks to Syrah with a less than strong voice. It does, however, show a full measure of richness with abundant, blackberry fruitframed by sweet and equally plentiful oak, and it shows a nice sense of suppleness before being closed out by a rush of youthfully tough tannins. Happily, fruit fights its way through those tannins and makes a clear promise for good things to come in a half-dozen years.
