Last bottle of 2010's. Served with smoked brisket. Fruit faded vs earlier bottles. Tannins resolved. Dark black fruit (plum, blackberry) on the palate. Nice but not as vibrant/interesting as earlier bottles.
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This is why we cellar wine. Aromatically expressive, savory, with a lingering finish and enough structure to provide cut. A couple previous bottles seemed as though they were starting to dry out and lose the energy it had a year or two ago. Not so with this bottle. This one could have gone a long while longer. 93-ish pts
Maybe it was an off bottle, or maybe it was just me, but this was underwhelming compared to a bottle earlier this year. It seemed to have a hole in the middle - nice (not exceptional) nose followed by a somewhat astringent finish, with next to nothing in between. Can't believe it's over-the-hill, and I'm anxious to taste my next (last) bottle.
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This bottle showed a bit differently than a recent one. While it was a bit less aromatically expressive, it also seemed fresher, with fruit to balance the savory aspects. Tannins were not as drying on the finish. For my tastes, this bottle did not seem on the cusp of drying out
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I have really liked these Stolpman syrahs at about 7-8 years of age. (Hilltops, Angeli and Original bottlings) They do seem to develop and evolve with midterm cellaring rather than simply fading. This bottle showed earth, lots of pepper and quite savory. Balancing fruit was a bit shier than a bottle a year ago. After a few hours open, the finish did become quite drying. In a good spot now, for my tastes it is probably time to drink up. 91-92
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Purchased from Stolpman's library fire sale recently for a song.
Violets, floral aromatics, blue/faint black cherry aromatics. Mouth feel showed terrific acid and fine grained minimal tannin. Finished long and delicious. Modest savory character provided interest. A fine drink that will be in its best for the next 3-5 years.
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Lots of new oak notes still that have yet to integrate but plenty to love:
-No bricking -Thick mouth coating wine -Plenty of fine tannins -Nice Acid -Long finish
While the new oak was noticeable--so were the Syrah characteristics of olive brine and some earth. 92+ with potential to improve once the oak integrates.
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This was a very, very good showing for this wine. Popped and poured , the nose was very expressive from the get-go and remained that way till finished. Tertiary flavors starting to evolve, encompassing both something of a Northern Rhone profile, together with a healthy underlay of fruit. Lingering finish. This was substantially better than a bottle a few months ago. Previous bottle, 9 pts. This bottle, 92-93ish
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At a restaurant, poured with a Martinelli syrah. The Martinelli had a bit more stuff, but this was quite good. New world syrah, dark color, interesting nose. Palate was better, resolved, structured, nice dark fruit. Got better in the glass. My last bottle of this vintage, could have gone longer.
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Initially, this had a very strong acidic taste. So much so that at first I thought it had turned. After about an hour in the glass, the acidic taste faded and the wine was quite good. I finished the bottle the next day and it was even better. Beautiful dark red color. Dusty cherry and bramble on the palate.
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Northern Rhone all day long, baby! I wouldn't have guessed this as a Santa Ynez Syrah if I'd tasted it blind. Faintly bretty upon opening, with air it showed floral perfume, sanguinity, incense, tangy red and black fruits, and a hint of oak spice. Very St-Joseph-y. Good stuff, and well suited to our rare lamb chops.
Acidity is fading now, so drink up if you have these.
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Delicious. Smells like a Northern Rhone. Sanguine and tangy, with lots of espresso, and notes of blackcurrant, smoke, tar, and cocoa. Tasted blind, I would have pegged this as a good Crozes-Hermitage from a strong vintage.
Tannins are fading so drink now if you have this one.
Edit: after 3 hours of air, this wine became perfumy, and the finish lengthened.
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Blackberry and underbrush on the nose. Harmony, rich black raspberry, ripe, beam of acidity and velvety feel come together with a touch of liqueur on the finish that turns to espresso. Drinking beautifully. Last of a case, wish I'd let the others live this long.
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still drinking very well. needs 30-60 minutes to fully open up. solid cherry and red raspberry fruit, a bit of bacon and a bit of spice along with some nice earth notes.
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Medium/dark purple, looks quite young. It is, so that is appropriate. Very expressive nose, pleasant, red fruits and spice. Popped and poured at a restaurant, first taste was a bit harsh, a bit of funk. It smoothed out considerably with air. Lots of complexity, food friendly. There was a Wild Thing zin also open at the table, that was more friendly and fruity out of the bottle, but the Sarah really had more stuff with food. Medium/long finish. I'm not sure I can compare it to Hermitage just yet (see Tanzer and other notes), but it clearly has some upside. Will wait a bit before opening another.
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Estate grown grapes. Santa Barbara County. 14.1% abv. Grapes are from the oldest sections of the estate vineyards. Deep-rooted in limestone soil. Dark purple color in the glass; opaque. Prominent pepper spices up meaty and dark bramble berry notes. This penetrates deeply into the olfactory glands and I enjoy the savory as well as the fruity elements. I don't have wide experience with Syrah, but I really like this. It confirms my impression of Santa Barbara County as a sweet spot for Syrah (at least Santa Ynez) with Beckmen, the former Nook and Cranny Syrah from Babcock, etc.
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I had this again recently, blind, and fell in love with the Hermitage-like beauty. Meat, berry and earth, in a welcomed, cohesive manner. Long and sophistically sound, showing better than before. Drink now - 2022.
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Dark purple to the rim. Loads of fruit on the nose, berries black and blue. Knockout flavors of berries, with some minerals and cola. Long, tart finish. Brilliant right out of the bottle. I expect it'll get better with some air.
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Birthday dinner at Ink in W. Hollywood. Huge big black fruit, meaty, smoky, peppery nose. Palate is full bodied with loads of black fruit. There is balance and polish to the fruit. Olives, meat and black pepper. Long, smoky finish. Tasty stuff.
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A solid 90 point wine that delivers a great Santa Ynez Syrah flavor profile with palpable textures enhancing the mouthfeel. Definitely over delivers as others have indicated. Will improve with time and requires maximal aeration and decanting if enjoying now. Delicious.
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This is a name I find more and more consistant with "Value". This wine overdelivers for the price, especially when given time to open up. Well balenced, deep flavors on both the nose and the palate.
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Young but potential is there. Menthol overpowers the nose with a hint of fruit lingering underneath. Toasted oak dominates the forward flavors but cherries and black berries are there. Medium finish at this point. I think 2 years at a min to get it to drinking.
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If WS named Owen Roe Ex Umbris a "top 100" wine (admittedly a nice wine for the price), this has to be right there with it as it is basically a more restrained yet voluptuous syrah. There's no wonder that Tanzer et al were fans as it has a great nose at open and begins to show character and depth within about 20 minutes, and has a bit of napa coupled with a bit of hermitage... Definitely a fun wine for the price. Not sure how this will carry over time, which is reflected in the 2018 cap, but that's okay as I struggle to come up with a reason to wait.
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Beautiful wine. Nose of bright blackberry, blueberry, dark chocolate and bacon fat. Palate brings deep black notes, sweet tobacco, baking spice and a mouthwatering long finish. It's January 5th, and I will be hard pressed to open a better value all year. Day two: nose faded considerably, but the palate held up better.
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Awesome wine!! I am not sure if I have ever had such a smooth syrah. When you take this into account with the $30 price point you have a heck of a wine. Wonderful berry flavors with a long finish and like velvet on the tongue. Magnificent!
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Ripe berry to the nose with hint of eathiness and dark cherry red in color. Pleasing black berry and plum on the palate. The young but pleasing tannins kick in with the jamminess of the syrah. The heat follows nicely mid to the finish. Definitely young, decant if you can and enjoy.
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11/2/2020 - Les Kangas Likes this wine: 91 Points
Consumed in Reidel Syrah glasses with steak skewers and rice. Very good wine that faded after an hour. Drink now
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8/16/2020 - arthrovine wrote:
Still providing an excellent show. This bottle in identical excellent shape to the last. Lots of green olive and brine on this take.
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7/14/2020 - Night Train Likes this wine: 87 Points
Pleasant enough, but it's lost its vibrancy. In a blind tasting, I'd have no idea what it was or is. Probably time to drink up.
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6/14/2020 - thalver wrote:
Drinking ok....some evolution of flavors toward the savory. This bottle was quite drying on the finish.
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2/21/2020 - Bryan49 Likes this wine: 91 Points
Last bottle of 2010's. Served with smoked brisket. Fruit faded vs earlier bottles. Tannins resolved. Dark black fruit (plum, blackberry) on the palate. Nice but not as vibrant/interesting as earlier bottles.
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11/6/2019 - thalver wrote:
This is why we cellar wine. Aromatically expressive, savory, with a lingering finish and enough structure to provide cut. A couple previous bottles seemed as though they were starting to dry out and lose the energy it had a year or two ago. Not so with this bottle. This one could have gone a long while longer. 93-ish pts
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10/27/2019 - Night Train wrote: 88 Points
Maybe it was an off bottle, or maybe it was just me, but this was underwhelming compared to a bottle earlier this year. It seemed to have a hole in the middle - nice (not exceptional) nose followed by a somewhat astringent finish, with next to nothing in between. Can't believe it's over-the-hill, and I'm anxious to taste my next (last) bottle.
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5/26/2019 - thalver wrote:
This bottle showed a bit differently than a recent one. While it was a bit less aromatically expressive, it also seemed fresher, with fruit to balance the savory aspects. Tannins were not as drying on the finish. For my tastes, this bottle did not seem on the cusp of drying out
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4/13/2019 - thalver wrote: 92 Points
I have really liked these Stolpman syrahs at about 7-8 years of age. (Hilltops, Angeli and Original bottlings) They do seem to develop and evolve with midterm cellaring rather than simply fading. This bottle showed earth, lots of pepper and quite savory. Balancing fruit was a bit shier than a bottle a year ago. After a few hours open, the finish did become quite drying. In a good spot now, for my tastes it is probably time to drink up. 91-92
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3/2/2019 - Night Train Likes this wine: 90 Points
Took to a party, so no detailed notes. Very nice and not yet at its peak.
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1/20/2019 - arthrovine wrote:
Purchased from Stolpman's library fire sale recently for a song.
Violets, floral aromatics, blue/faint black cherry aromatics. Mouth feel showed terrific acid and fine grained minimal tannin. Finished long and delicious. Modest savory character provided interest. A fine drink that will be in its best for the next 3-5 years.
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12/31/2018 - mercurius wrote: 92 Points
Lots of new oak notes still that have yet to integrate but plenty to love:
-No bricking
-Thick mouth coating wine
-Plenty of fine tannins
-Nice Acid
-Long finish
While the new oak was noticeable--so were the Syrah characteristics of olive brine and some earth. 92+ with potential to improve once the oak integrates.
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3/24/2018 - whudock Likes this wine: 92 Points
lots of cherry and spice on the palate. Remarkably long vanilla finish. Well balanced, food friendly and some nice earth notes.
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11/26/2017 - thalver wrote: 92 Points
This was a very, very good showing for this wine. Popped and poured , the nose was very expressive from the get-go and remained that way till finished. Tertiary flavors starting to evolve, encompassing both something of a Northern Rhone profile, together with a healthy underlay of fruit. Lingering finish. This was substantially better than a bottle a few months ago. Previous bottle, 9 pts. This bottle, 92-93ish
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7/10/2017 - EdKz@comcast.net wrote: 84 Points
inky, medium body, dark fruit syruppy,first night rhubarb, second night sweetness, short finish
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4/25/2017 - Tony Poli Likes this wine: 90 Points
At a restaurant, poured with a Martinelli syrah. The Martinelli had a bit more stuff, but this was quite good. New world syrah, dark color, interesting nose. Palate was better, resolved, structured, nice dark fruit. Got better in the glass. My last bottle of this vintage, could have gone longer.
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12/24/2016 - ddmhunter Likes this wine: 92 Points
Still a favorite, maybe better than the last bottle. Drinking well now
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3/21/2016 - whudock Likes this wine: 92 Points
the layers of flavors are endless and they play so well with one another.
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2/27/2016 - Humblewineguy wrote: 90 Points
Initially, this had a very strong acidic taste. So much so that at first I thought it had turned. After about an hour in the glass, the acidic taste faded and the wine was quite good. I finished the bottle the next day and it was even better. Beautiful dark red color. Dusty cherry and bramble on the palate.
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2/13/2016 - Swaggering Beaunie Likes this wine:
Northern Rhone all day long, baby! I wouldn't have guessed this as a Santa Ynez Syrah if I'd tasted it blind. Faintly bretty upon opening, with air it showed floral perfume, sanguinity, incense, tangy red and black fruits, and a hint of oak spice. Very St-Joseph-y. Good stuff, and well suited to our rare lamb chops.
Acidity is fading now, so drink up if you have these.
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12/9/2015 - Humblewineguy wrote: 70 Points
Bad bottle. So disappointing because this is a great syrah. Maybe next time...
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12/1/2015 - Swaggering Beaunie Likes this wine:
Delicious. Smells like a Northern Rhone. Sanguine and tangy, with lots of espresso, and notes of blackcurrant, smoke, tar, and cocoa. Tasted blind, I would have pegged this as a good Crozes-Hermitage from a strong vintage.
Tannins are fading so drink now if you have this one.
Edit: after 3 hours of air, this wine became perfumy, and the finish lengthened.
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7/20/2015 - twain Likes this wine: 93 Points
Blackberry and underbrush on the nose. Harmony, rich black raspberry, ripe, beam of acidity and velvety feel come together with a touch of liqueur on the finish that turns to espresso. Drinking beautifully. Last of a case, wish I'd let the others live this long.
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6/10/2015 - whudock Likes this wine: 91 Points
still drinking very well. needs 30-60 minutes to fully open up. solid cherry and red raspberry fruit, a bit of bacon and a bit of spice along with some nice earth notes.
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5/2/2015 - whudock Likes this wine: 91 Points
beautifully balanced
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2/18/2015 - Tony Poli Likes this wine: 91 Points
Medium/dark purple, looks quite young. It is, so that is appropriate. Very expressive nose, pleasant, red fruits and spice. Popped and poured at a restaurant, first taste was a bit harsh, a bit of funk. It smoothed out considerably with air. Lots of complexity, food friendly. There was a Wild Thing zin also open at the table, that was more friendly and fruity out of the bottle, but the Sarah really had more stuff with food. Medium/long finish. I'm not sure I can compare it to Hermitage just yet (see Tanzer and other notes), but it clearly has some upside. Will wait a bit before opening another.
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10/1/2014 - wondersofwine wrote:
Estate grown grapes. Santa Barbara County. 14.1% abv. Grapes are from the oldest sections of the estate vineyards. Deep-rooted in limestone soil. Dark purple color in the glass; opaque. Prominent pepper spices up meaty and dark bramble berry notes.
This penetrates deeply into the olfactory glands and I enjoy the savory as well as the fruity elements. I don't have wide experience with Syrah, but I really like this. It confirms my impression of Santa Barbara County as a sweet spot for Syrah (at least Santa Ynez) with Beckmen, the former Nook and Cranny Syrah from Babcock, etc.
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4/13/2014 - Matt Scott Likes this wine: 93 Points
I had this again recently, blind, and fell in love with the Hermitage-like beauty. Meat, berry and earth, in a welcomed, cohesive manner. Long and sophistically sound, showing better than before. Drink now - 2022.
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12/18/2013 - Vino Monkeys wrote: 92 Points
Dark purple to the rim. Loads of fruit on the nose, berries black and blue. Knockout flavors of berries, with some minerals and cola. Long, tart finish. Brilliant right out of the bottle. I expect it'll get better with some air.
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11/6/2013 - Nanda wrote: 93 Points
Birthday dinner at Ink in W. Hollywood. Huge big black fruit, meaty, smoky, peppery nose. Palate is full bodied with loads of black fruit. There is balance and polish to the fruit. Olives, meat and black pepper. Long, smoky finish. Tasty stuff.
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9/4/2013 - arthrovine wrote: 90 Points
A solid 90 point wine that delivers a great Santa Ynez Syrah flavor profile with palpable textures enhancing the mouthfeel. Definitely over delivers as others have indicated. Will improve with time and requires maximal aeration and decanting if enjoying now. Delicious.
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6/21/2013 - Sauvyfan Likes this wine: 91 Points
This is a name I find more and more consistant with "Value". This wine overdelivers for the price, especially when given time to open up. Well balenced, deep flavors on both the nose and the palate.
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5/10/2013 - Trade Mark (TM) Likes this wine: 90 Points
Young but potential is there. Menthol overpowers the nose with a hint of fruit lingering underneath. Toasted oak dominates the forward flavors but cherries and black berries are there. Medium finish at this point. I think 2 years at a min to get it to drinking.
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3/27/2013 - Bravo Likes this wine: 90 Points
Blueberry, blackberry, some spice on the palate. Smoother on the second opening. Good value for price.
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2/26/2013 - mrmedoes Likes this wine: 92 Points
If WS named Owen Roe Ex Umbris a "top 100" wine (admittedly a nice wine for the price), this has to be right there with it as it is basically a more restrained yet voluptuous syrah. There's no wonder that Tanzer et al were fans as it has a great nose at open and begins to show character and depth within about 20 minutes, and has a bit of napa coupled with a bit of hermitage... Definitely a fun wine for the price. Not sure how this will carry over time, which is reflected in the 2018 cap, but that's okay as I struggle to come up with a reason to wait.
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1/5/2013 - Sauvyfan Likes this wine: 92 Points
Beautiful wine. Nose of bright blackberry, blueberry, dark chocolate and bacon fat. Palate brings deep black notes, sweet tobacco, baking spice and a mouthwatering long finish. It's January 5th, and I will be hard pressed to open a better value all year.
Day two: nose faded considerably, but the palate held up better.
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10/28/2012 - jlaws7lh wrote: 94 Points
Same as previous note. My new favorite go to syrah!
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7/9/2012 - jlaws7lh wrote: 94 Points
Awesome wine!! I am not sure if I have ever had such a smooth syrah. When you take this into account with the $30 price point you have a heck of a wine. Wonderful berry flavors with a long finish and like velvet on the tongue. Magnificent!
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7/3/2012 - ddmhunter wrote: 92 Points
Ripe berry to the nose with hint of eathiness and dark cherry red in color. Pleasing black berry and plum on the palate. The young but pleasing tannins kick in with the jamminess of the syrah. The heat follows nicely mid to the finish. Definitely young, decant if you can and enjoy.
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