2007 Herman Story Syrah 239 Days

Community Tasting Notes (8) Median Score: 91 points

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  5/13/2012 - markandsusanw Likes this wine: 92 Points

  Opened about two hours prior to drinking ... I went into this expecting an almost port-like experience, but was impressed at how smooth and round this deeply colored, and nicely spiced wine was. A very unique flavor profile with cinnamon, coffee and caramel mixed in with an earthy lushness and a bit of blackberry cream. Big, rich and heavy this is a great after dinner wine, or with strong cheese, but doesn't scream "cocktail" and hid its high ABV really, really well. (Dangerously well, if you know what I mean.) Really enjoyed it and can't wait to taste the other Herman Story special bottlings.

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  9/26/2011 - armchairsommelier wrote:

  What a cool bottle! I felt like I was drinking bootleg prohibition wine! A HEAVY wine . . . BIG alcohol at 17.3%. But still enough structure and balance to make it more interesting than overwhelming. Salud!

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  9/19/2011 - amgryger wrote:

  NY/NJ WLTV Offline (Fonda Del Sol, NYC): Grapey, fake cherry flavoring and raisin notes. Bitter notes on the palate. Medium tannin and low acid. At 17+ % ABV it's kind of a hot mess.

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  4/16/2011 - NotNYC wrote: 90 Points

  Not your everyday drinker but something that tickles our fancy. Almost a Port. Astonished by the 17-something % alcohol - if only because it carries its weight rather well. But this is a BIG HUGE glass of wine. Deep color nose and flavor.
  Agreed perhaps this is best served late in a big multi-bottle meal. Perhaps between main and dessert courses . Fit well there for us after working thru the Cabs.
  I encourage Russell to make more of these experiments - and keep finding such original and cool bottles for them.

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  3/20/2011 - tkoby11 wrote: 87 Points

  Hard to rate as there is not much out there.
  
  Rich and bold blueberry, blackberry, definitely whoppers candy (thx jaimeclewis), chocolate pudding, sweet bonanza, but not fake or cloying.
  
  Palate is big, heat from the alcohol level of 17.3% is there, but served cooler it's not as noticeable. And deep below the concentration lies acidity that a wine of this size usually lacks.
  
  The berries are there with some tar, roasted coffee beans, chocolate, black raspberry, unctuous and rich, this finishes a little shorter than I would have thought.

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View all 8 Community Tasting Notes

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