Eagles Landing
Critics Gold 2004 Syrah Edna Valley $25.00: Moody and brooding now, there is a firm core of ripe black fruit and lots of black pepper and spice that give this wine more complexity than most. Moderately oaked and quite tannic; give it lots of time, – Linda Murphy
Eaton Hill Winery
Critics Silver 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon, Konnowac Vineyards Yakima Valley $32.00: Solid fruit recalls blackberries and cassis, with a nice edge of spicy oak. – Michael Franz
Eberle Winery
Critics Gold 2006 Cotes de Robles Paso Robles $20.00: There’s a nice leathery scent with hints of news ink to go with red flavors. Lean and peppery on the palate, with red fruits marked by a nice acidity, which gives the wine focus and lots of energy. – Patrick Comiskey
Critics Silver 2006 Barbera, Steinbeck/Christian Lazo Vineyards Paso Robles $22.00: Not shy but likewise not overwrought, this features very flavorful notes of dark berries and fresh blackberries, with an intriguing underlying earthiness. – Michael Franz
Critics Silver 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon, Reserve Paso Robles $65.00: Teeters on the edge of over-ripeness, then pulls itself off the ledge. Deep black fruit, cola, vanilla, dried herbs and toast flavors are whisked away by mouth-watering acidity. Well-made for those who enjoy this style. – Linda Murphy
Critics Platinum 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon, Vineyard Selection Paso Robles $18.00: Great structure and balance. Racy red and black fruit, full yet integrated tannins and nice use of oak for texture rather than aroma/flavor. Very long, succulent finish. – Linda Murphy
Critics Silver 2006 Zinfandel, Steinbeck/Wine-Bush Vineyards Paso Robles $24.00: Rich fruit and tangy acidity to keep it honest, and hints of leathery earthiness. – Nick Passmore
Critics Silver 2007 Muscat Canelli, Estate Paso Robles $14.00: Fresh and irresistably fruity, with delightful aromatics and good acid balance. – Michael Franz
Critics Gold 2007 Viognier Paso Robles $20.00: A finely balanced wine combining the flavors of ripe summer peaches and crisp fall apples – Nick Passmore
Ecco Domani
Critics Silver 2005 Merlot Delle Venezie $11.00: Savory red cherry scents with hints of woodsmoke. There’s a nice red cherry flavor with a hint of herb, sweet and light. – Patrick Comiskey
Critics Silver 2006 Pinot Grigio Delle Venezie $11.00: Well-made, clean, straightforward grigio with clean green apple flavors and a hint of minerals to give the wine some zip. – Patrick Comiskey
Edna Valley Vineyard
Critics Silver 2006 Chardonnay, Paragon San Luis Obispo County $12.00: Buttery aromas and creamy apple, citrus flavors are layered over distinctive acidiy in a bewitching package. – Rebecca Murphy
Eleven Tongues
Critics Silver 2006 Shiraz Western Cape $9.99: Ripe and robustly flavored but not obvious or jammy, this is a very good rendition of Syrah that succeeds on account of a nearly optimal balance of juicy frutiness and structural seriousness. – Michael Franz
Elodian
Critics Platinum 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley $40.00: This is a stunningly sumptuous Cabernet! It deseves a Platinum-plus medal. Fantastic complexity with firm tannins but a supple texture and wonderfully long, evolved flavors. This is California (I think) Cab at its best. – Paul Lukacs
EOS Estate Winery
Critics Silver 2005 Petite Sirah, Reserve Paso Robles $25.00: Seductive, with ripe fruit – Marguerite Thomas
Eponymous
Critics Silver 2005 MacAllister Vineyard Sonoma Valley $45.00: Nice ripe fruit, a respectably long finish – Marguerite Thomas
Erath Vineyards
Critics Silver 2006 Pinot Noir, Estate Selection Dundee Hills $32.00: Pleasant and restrained – Marguerite Thomas
Critics Silver 2006 Pinot Noir Oregon $19.00: Slightly raw and bloody, with pungent red berry and a rustic hint. – Jon Bonne
Estraie
Critics Silver 2005 Sortie Red Wine North Coast $22.00: Ripe, succulent red fruit, good structure, refreshing acidity. Plump without being too plush. Hints of vanilla and toast add interest yet don’t overwhelm. – Linda Murphy
Critics Silver 2006 Sauvignon Blanc Sonoma County $22.00: Lovely minerally flavors, with richness of texture and some sweetness impression of high alcohol – Mary Ewing-Mulligan