1998 Syrah Varietal/Style: Syrah Origin: Paso Robles, CA Vintage: 1998 Winemaker: Dan Gehrs, Consultant Rating: 14/20 Retail Price: $18

Tasting Notes: Full, fleshy and fat on the nose, this wine hints of dark berries and smoky bacon rinds. Although it lacks the complexity of many higher-end Syrahs, we like this wine for its lush mouthfeel and creamy, caramel finish. (Date tasted 11/5/00)

1998 Pinot Noir Varietal/Style: Pinot Noir Origin: Santa Maria Valley Vintage: 1998 Winemaker: Dan Gehrs, Consultant Rating: 14.5/20 Retail Price: $28

Tasting Notes: Dark ruby in the glass, Bridlewood's Pinot offers aromas of bing cherry intermingled with vanilla and oak. Rich and mouth-filling with a complex array of flavors, this is the kind of wine you can drink in place of a meal. The finish lingers long with flavors evolving from cherries and currants to cocoa with an infusion of exotic spices. (Date tasted 07/09/01)

Profile: From flowers to vines, entrepreneur Cory Holbrook has a keen sense of agriculture as well as customer service. After a fruitful career in the floral business, Holbrook turned his professional interest toward one of his greatest passions: winemaking. Since opening the doors at Bridlewood in 1999, Holbrook has collected accolades from America's top critics as quickly as Tiger Woods collects golf trophies.

Address:
Address: 3555 Roblar Ave.
City: Santa Ynez, CA
Phone: 800-467-4100
Web site: www.bridlewoodwinery.com
E-mail: info@bridlewoodwinery.com