Minnesota Valley Wine Group Syrah Tasting (Amy & Scott's - Eagan, MN): Excellent QPR, IMO! This was my first Sparkman wine, and I thought it was more than adequate! I would serve this to mixed company of wine drinkers and non-drinkers, as it seems well integrated at 10+ years, and offers a good value.
Nose started out with strong alcohol, but that blew of after several minutes in the glass, revealing notes of cherry, funk, black pepper and cigar box. Palate was nicely integrated with lots of red fruit, spice, black pepper, thyme and sage, along with notes of cedar, olive tapenade and graphite. Some noted alcohol on the palate, but I couldn't taste it. 93+ for my palate, and a totally different type of Syrah, which was a nice change!
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
My first Sparkman. Clear, purple, medium depth, medium meniscus, high viscosity. Good nose with menthol and mint leading the way. Cherry and dark fruit, along with baking spices and a whiff of vanilla. Less fruit on the palate. Well balanced but less powerful than I expected. Still a bit of heat from the alcohol and the tannins are still quite present - this should last a few more years.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Professional reviews have copyrights and you can view them here for your personal use only as private content. To view pro reviews you must either subscribe to a pre-integrated publication or manually enter reviews below. Learn more.
(Sparkman Cellars Syrah Ruckus) Dark red violet color; roasted black fruit, tasty, roasted black fruit, tar palate; medium-plus finish (92% Syrah, 8% Viognier co-fermented)
9/9/2023 - I'd Rather Be Drinking Wine Likes this wine: 93 Points
Minnesota Valley Wine Group Syrah Tasting (Amy & Scott's - Eagan, MN): Excellent QPR, IMO! This was my first Sparkman wine, and I thought it was more than adequate! I would serve this to mixed company of wine drinkers and non-drinkers, as it seems well integrated at 10+ years, and offers a good value.
Nose started out with strong alcohol, but that blew of after several minutes in the glass, revealing notes of cherry, funk, black pepper and cigar box. Palate was nicely integrated with lots of red fruit, spice, black pepper, thyme and sage, along with notes of cedar, olive tapenade and graphite. Some noted alcohol on the palate, but I couldn't taste it. 93+ for my palate, and a totally different type of Syrah, which was a nice change!
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
9/9/2023 - 3daywinereview.com wrote: 84 Points
Minnesota Valley Fine Wine Tasting Group Syrah Tasting (Eagan, MN): This was a hot wine even though it is over 10 years old. Pepper, clove, cherry and some heat. Not a fan of this style and I am about 50/50 on Sparkman wines. 9 points
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
1/13/2023 - sanjuanlewis Likes this wine: 92 Points
Same as last note
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
11/8/2022 - sanjuanlewis Likes this wine: 92 Points
Drink or hold. This wine is in a great spot at the moment. Opened up quickly. I have 2 bottles left, and no rush to drink.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
1/28/2021 - caroleandjay wrote: 90 Points
My first Sparkman.
Clear, purple, medium depth, medium meniscus, high viscosity.
Good nose with menthol and mint leading the way. Cherry and dark fruit, along with baking spices and a whiff of vanilla.
Less fruit on the palate. Well balanced but less powerful than I expected. Still a bit of heat from the alcohol and the tannins are still quite present - this should last a few more years.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment