February 14, 2021 - Medium ruby, light fruit nose. Lightly tart fruit, clean acid, light well integrated tannins, smooth mouthfeel, some rhubarb, zesty.
while I like this wine for it's austerity and reserved qualities, I had with dinner less austere a bit lusher So Italian which kept me tasting, when revisiting this again tonight, I kept comparing the restrainedness of this to the other night's. My tastes may have taken another turn. It's not the first time.
March 21, 2020 - Still good after all these years.
March 16, 2020 - Tasted on day 2. Very expressive on the nose. Some good crunchy red berry fruit. Well balanced. I thought 2007 was a very cool year but there is still plenty of fruit. Medium finish. This is hanging on nicely and no need to rush to drink.
March 14, 2020 - Such great balance. Blue fruit is there in just the perfect amount. Doesn't jump out but keeps coming in elegant waves of soft supple notes. Has just gotten better over time. A joy to drink
August 20, 2019 - Last bottle of this, and they were all very enjoyable.
February 13, 2019 - I can’t believe how much better this wine seems to get over time. As it approaches its twelfth year it is really a pleasure to drink. Very expressive nose, medium weight and sense of place. There is an elegant wine that will shine alongside a variety of roasted and braided dishes, or earthy vegetarian dishes. I’m guessing the screw cap is part of what enables this wine to avoid fading. At least five more years of enjoyment.
July 24, 2018 - Earthy, spicy, and savoury. Some prune and plum fruit. Hints of oxidation here and there, but nowhere near too much. Still a delicious and comfort-food-worthy mid-weight Syrah.
June 16, 2018 - This just keeps improving. Very restrained yet full of life. No need to decant, but a bit of sediment so pour carefully after standing up at cellar temp. Glad I still have half a case for future comfort food indulging (especially braised beef, pork, cassoulet, gratin of root veggies or fennel).
March 25, 2018 - Not as bright as the last bottle, but consumed right after opening so not much time for the wine to express itself. Absolutely a food wine. Roasted vegetables, Wood-cooked meats, snowy cabins and the like. Cassoulet, grilled salmon with wild berries, duck or venison. Probably works with robust cheese plates or fondue.
January 23, 2018 - Quite pale. Nose of red fruit, white pepper, crushed rocks and tar.
The palate is lithe and light+ bodied. The raspberry fruit takes a back seat to the other elements in the wine -- black tea, white pepper, earth and some stemmy notes. Strongly leans AFWE, those looking for flavor bombs need not apply.