3/27/2004 - RussW wrote: NR

'01 Laird Dyer Ranch Syrah

C - Inky purple with brightening at the edge. When poured it looked like purple motor oil.

N - White pepper, smoke, raw meat, licorice, chocolate, blackberry.

MP - Balance, balance, and more balance. Nice acidity and wonderfully pure, clean, rich blackberry fruit.

F - Long gorgeous finish of white pepper, blackberry, and mineral, with a kiss of chocolate.

The wine was decanted for an hour before drinking.

Day 2 - Everything from day 1 but if possible the wine is even more balanced and exhibits a much greater degree of creaminess on the midpalate and the purity of fruit continues to shine through. The last glass also began to show some subtle all spice character.

If I am not mistaken this is fruit that used to go into the Lewis Syrah. This is a very nice complex syrah that is beautifully balanced at this young age. It is drinking great now with an hour or two of decanting but has the structure to improve and age gracefully over the next 3-5 years. Tannins are present but they are silky and remain in the background. This is certainly one of the best Napa syrahs I have had in my limited experience.

Note to self; pick up a few more bottles.

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