2014 Cattleya Syrah Soberanes Vineyard

Community Tasting Notes (7) Avg Score: 92.3 points

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  7/28/2020 - srh Likes this wine:

  Cf. the CellarTracker Article link [lower lft] to get specific info for this vintage, including acclaim.
  
  ≈30 min decant into a plastic, cylindrical pitcher which was then closed; Fair amount of sediment; Private Preserve after Day 1.
  
  N: Slightly closed; Ripe plums, rest tough to parse: A melding of choc, frt, & pyrazines, among other things; Intensity lurking
  
  P: MF body; RNDISH entry with very NICE, ALMOST swtish frt met by an astringent pucker which stays within hailing distance of the init frt as it fairly seamlessly transitions into a very LONG, balanced finish with a TANGY/swtness (& a hint of bitter/swt choc) to the firming, but fairly unoffensive, dusty tannins. Went better with the IT Sausages than the COSTCO Ravioli(Spin)/Marinara, though I'd hope to avoid a repeat pairing with either. Perhaps it just needed addt'l time in the decanter, or cellaring until @ least '22, as there is seemingly LOTS of substance which just wasn't accessible tonight. My VG+/EXC-, & an overall disappointment cf'd to my expectations when tasting it in Oct '17. :( // Day 2: While > open aromatically, & reasonably fragrant, it was at least as tough to parse. P now showing Med body with a rndish entry & NICE, almost swtish frt which comes across as ult pleasant. While it went acceptably with the night's revisited Grilled Lamb Chops, the entrée did bring out a slight bitterness that was somewhat of a negative. Still my VG+/EXC-, though trending towards the higher because of how well it did Day 2, reinforcing that I *have* to decant it longer OR cellar through '21 min. Also, I suspect even under those conditions it NEEDS pairing with full-flavored fare such as Smkd Pk BBQ Ribs. [As of late Jul '20, wine-searcher still shows 1 source @ $65].
  
  Note: Also tasted on 10/14 & 10/21/17.

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  12/16/2018 - JJB007 Likes this wine: 96 Points

  i am not generally a syrah fan; however, this is one of the best that i have ever had

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  7/26/2018 - WineGuyDelMar Likes this wine: 90 Points

  Super dark purple. Probably the darkest Syrah I've ever opened. My score might be too low here. Decanted over 2 hours. This wine needs more time as the nose is closed and the complexity of the wine muted. I think it needs a couple more years to shine and develop more complexity, savory elements. I think the tannins made the wine seem more one dimensional than I think it is. I bought a bottle to try and I'd like to find some more to put away and see what happens.

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  1/2/2018 - Tyler C Likes this wine: 93 Points

  A very classy Syrah. Very seemless throughout berries to start with darker fruits picking up and velvety long long finish. It's a new name for me and I am excited to find more. Wish I could have decanted it. I'll try the others in a couple of years. Certainly built to last.

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  10/21/2017 - srh Likes this wine:

  Shared Bottles: 4 Reds & a 40 yr-old Tawny (Vintage Wines Ltd., San Diego, CA): My contribution
  
  Cf. the CellarTracker Article link [lower lft] to get specific info for this vintage, including acclaim.
  
  N: Smoky with floral notes, spice coming forward with air; Later, some iron?
  
  P: LM, poss Med, body; NICE, almost swtish frt met by a very, VERY slightly astringent pucker which fairly seamlessly transitions into a very LONG, balanced (albeit very, VERY slightly faint) finish. I'd not try again until mid-late '19 at the EARLIEST.
  
  Addendum (from home, bottle having now been open ≈9 hrs):
  
  N: Berries & spice with notes of flowers, poss undertones of choc?
  
  P: Med body; NICE frt met by astringent acidity that pretty much resolves by the LONG, very slightly spicy finish with notes of bitterSWT choc. MUCH tighter on P than N (at least today), I'd agree with back label's assessment as to this wine's "...truly unique & sophisticated" cool weather style. Approachable now with the proper cuisine, this DESERVES until '20, possibly longer, in order to unwind & TRULY strut its stuff. [As of late Feb '19, wine-searcher still shows 2 U.S. vendors offering this @ $65 & $67.]

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