We started this a couple days earlier than the listed date, when I smoked some beef short ribs with a sort-of Korean glaze of my own invention. I like Syrah with that kind of thing, and this did not disappoint. I think this has filled out a bit, without losing that cool-weather zip. My wife noted the black pepper component first--yes, very Syrah. Doesn't have all the roasted meat/olive savory notes of some, but has a nice mix of reddish and slightly darker fruit without being overripe at all. 2011 is an underrated vintage if you like wines with balance, not just ripe gobs of fruit. The yields everywhere were low, which also means berry size was often small and the wines have tannins to age with. If I buy A-R syrah again, I'll let it sit a good long time.
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Medium garnet in color. It shows some age but not bricking. On the nose, it is savory. Notes of green olives, herbs, green peppers and a bit of spicy black pepper. On the palate, it is dry, medium tannins with mild caressing grip, acid is medium plus, alcohol feels low. Flavors of black olives now with an herbal/floral undertone. Some violets and sage come to mind. Very old world in style. The subtlety and grace make it feel as if it were Cote-Rotie. Beautiful bottle. This is at peak of maturity and I would drink on the short term.
PAIRING: Pollo A La Brasa (obviamente Peruano!) [A+]
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10/19/2023 - jjct Likes this wine:
Deliciously fresh and peppery. Picked early, this is a very light style of syrah, but has plenty of flavor.
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4/3/2023 - Not647f wrote:
We started this a couple days earlier than the listed date, when I smoked some beef short ribs with a sort-of Korean glaze of my own invention. I like Syrah with that kind of thing, and this did not disappoint. I think this has filled out a bit, without losing that cool-weather zip. My wife noted the black pepper component first--yes, very Syrah. Doesn't have all the roasted meat/olive savory notes of some, but has a nice mix of reddish and slightly darker fruit without being overripe at all. 2011 is an underrated vintage if you like wines with balance, not just ripe gobs of fruit. The yields everywhere were low, which also means berry size was often small and the wines have tannins to age with. If I buy A-R syrah again, I'll let it sit a good long time.
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1/30/2022 - CGWIND Likes this wine: 90 Points
Lots of lovely spice and pepper. Nice tannin. Lovely syrah
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3/8/2020 - R.H. Likes this wine:
Fantastic but you have to like the restrained / high acid style. Herbal and some pyrazine notes on palate. With Peking duck @ decoy
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1/28/2020 - DoubleMagnum wrote: 92 Points
Medium garnet in color. It shows some age but not bricking. On the nose, it is savory. Notes of green olives, herbs, green peppers and a bit of spicy black pepper. On the palate, it is dry, medium tannins with mild caressing grip, acid is medium plus, alcohol feels low. Flavors of black olives now with an herbal/floral undertone. Some violets and sage come to mind. Very old world in style. The subtlety and grace make it feel as if it were Cote-Rotie. Beautiful bottle. This is at peak of maturity and I would drink on the short term.
PAIRING: Pollo A La Brasa (obviamente Peruano!) [A+]
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