2005 Jaffurs Syrah Upslope

Community Tasting Notes (15) Avg Score: 92.9 points

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  2/9/2019 - timewithwine wrote:

  The cork crumbles at the first pull. What attaches to the worm of the corkscrew becomes powder in my fingers. One more attempt leaves nothing but a third of the cork and me reaching for the aho so. Eventually, not enough remains for the aho so to work and I reach for pickle tongs. The bottom of the cork comes out sideways. Not evidence of any seepage; the bottom of the cork is the only portion stained with wine. After straining the wine into a decanter to collect remaining cork crumbs, we find the wine to be mature and layered with blueberry, blackberry, balsamic and iodine scents. No doubt the wine is extracted, but it hardly a fruit bomb. Its magenta rim and blackberry core along with vibrant but fully integrated tannins belie its youthfulness. Years of life remain for this wine. Blueberry (but not too much) and blackberry carry the attack as iodine and balsamic edge their way across the mid-palate. Coffee dominates the long, rich finish. A very polished wine. The rosemary and vanilla notes from 9 years ago are nowhere to be found. Thankfully too, the hotness of this wine, which detracted from it nine years ago has abated. At 15.1% alc., the fact that the wine now appears balanced is somewhat stunning. Small lots of Thompson, Verma’s and Bien Nacido fruit create this wine. Sediment rings the neck and heavy grains coat the sides of the bottle. With pan seared and oven roasted bone-in pork chops. Just a smidge under Highly Recommended.

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  3/25/2016 - Mootsie Likes this wine: 95 Points

  JOJ's note says it all. Drinking so very nice right now.

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  12/30/2015 - JOJ wrote: 94 Points

  This wine has aged beautifully. An overwrought monster in youth has turned into a lithe and complex middle ager. Lifted aromas of black and red fruit, with a floral note. Lovely, almost silky mouthfeel -- melange of red and black fruit, finishing with pepper and spice. Tannins largely resolved. Very nice.

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  12/1/2013 - JOJ wrote: 93 Points

  Far better than a bottle of 4+ years ago. Nicely savory aromas of roasted meat play off against notes of white pepper and lavender underneath a core of blackberry. On the palate, primary red and black fruit, with savory notes of bacon and pepper. Great mouthfeel. Not restrained, but also not your typical flamboyant California syrah. Very structured, with hearty tannins still present. Alcohol has dissipated. Will be even better in 3+ years.

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  11/14/2011 - itsnotbob wrote: 89 Points

  Gigantic & unstructured, with a hot finish. Either cellar this for a few more years or decant it for more than 1 hour if you drink now.

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