Hoops and McCabe got it right. While I found the tannins on the finish bitter a few years ago per my note, this wine has come around. Some jammy black fruit notes along with warm spices. Yes, it's still got a sledgehammer finish that keeps it out of the 90's but it's all integrated and the wine is not old or tired tasting. It needed time to show its potential. And it's a beautiful example of Cali Syrah. I'd say it's at peak now. I've been drawn to Zaca Mesa Syrahs forever because they're unapologetically big and that beats out the easy-drinking stuff any day for me.
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I never like this wine as much as others. This one had good spice, cinnamon nose and fairly rich palate, but I find the overtones of old vegetables on nose and palate that overwhelms the strong points.
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12/17/2018 - JonnyG Likes this wine: 90 Points
From a magnum. Plenty going on, though past it’s peak. Notes of sous bois, pepper and some meat juice. Past peak but not tired, if that makes sense.
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5/30/2017 - Brad T Likes this wine: 89 Points
Hoops and McCabe got it right. While I found the tannins on the finish bitter a few years ago per my note, this wine has come around. Some jammy black fruit notes along with warm spices. Yes, it's still got a sledgehammer finish that keeps it out of the 90's but it's all integrated and the wine is not old or tired tasting. It needed time to show its potential. And it's a beautiful example of Cali Syrah. I'd say it's at peak now. I've been drawn to Zaca Mesa Syrahs forever because they're unapologetically big and that beats out the easy-drinking stuff any day for me.
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3/31/2014 - hoops92 Likes this wine: 91 Points
Velvet mouthfeel, great taste from first sip. No indication of harshness reported by some members. Nice value Syrah.
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3/17/2014 - Doblk wrote: 84 Points
I never like this wine as much as others. This one had good spice, cinnamon nose and fairly rich palate, but I find the overtones of old vegetables on nose and palate that overwhelms the strong points.
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3/6/2014 - John McCabe wrote: 92 Points
Rich and complex. Pretty spicy but plenty of other things going on. Has a beautiful sweetness to it.
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