A bunch of Syrahs on a Saturday Afternoon

Tasted Saturday, April 27, 2013 by Loren Sonkin with 397 views

Introduction

I got together today with some fellow winos to solve the problems of the world while tasting thru some wines. The theme was Syrah. The wines were served blind over the course of a couple of hours. Most of these could have used more time. Breads and cheeses were served. A 2010 SonkincCellars Persona was included in the mix, but I am not posting a note on it for obvious reasons.

Flight 1 (11 Notes)

  • 2005 Domaine Jean-Louis Chave Saint-Joseph 93 Points

    France, Rhône, Northern Rhône, Saint-Joseph

    Purple in color with slight ruby. The nose has some barnyard to it, but not heavy. On the palate, great acidity. Tannic. While complex, still on the young side. Nice boysenberry flavors. Long finish. Stood out blind as being French.

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  • 2003 Domaine Durand Saint-Joseph Les Côteaux 91 Points

    France, Rhône, Northern Rhône, Saint-Joseph

    Ruby/purple. Some funk on the nose. Nice black raspberries and slight black pepper. Nice full texture. Black raspberry fruit on the palate. Slight heat on the finish. Still with time left, but not as much complexity as the Chave.

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  • 2004 Ojai Syrah Roll Ranch Vineyard 94 Points

    USA, California, South Coast, Ventura County

    Really showing well right now. Inky purple in color. Great nose. Black raspberries, grilled meats, slight floral notes, slight black pepper. Complex and layered yet still with plenty of fruit. Perhaps a bit of heat on the finish, but this was really outstanding.

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  • 2009 Bedrock Wine Co. Syrah T Block Hudson Vineyard 89 Points

    USA, California, Napa / Sonoma, Carneros

    Ruby/purple in color. These is some funk on the nose. Some fruit, but this is tight right now. On the palate, a bit of tingly acidity. Black raspberry fruit. This needs time to develop. Not in the best place right now, but still very good. Should get better though.

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  • 2006 Carlisle Syrah Dry Creek Valley 92 Points

    USA, California, Sonoma County, Dry Creek Valley

    Ruby/purple in color. The nose is really nice. Developed and layered. Black raspberries, a bit of coffee, bacon fat and pepper. Lovely texture. Velvety. Medium tannins. Black raspberry fruit starting to unwind. Long finish. Still on the young side but really drinking well now. Outstanding.

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  • 2007 The Hess Collection Syrah Small Block Series Napa Valley 88 Points

    USA, California, Napa Valley

    Purple in color. The nose is a bit lighter, but nice black raspberries. Thinner, lighter body than the rest of the wines. Still, it had a nice silky texture and drank well. Fruity especially at the finish. Nice.

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  • 2008 Alban Vineyards Syrah Reva Alban Estate Vineyard 94 Points

    USA, California, Central Coast, Edna Valley

    Inky purple in color. There is some VA on the nose but not a problem. Aromas of gamey meat, black raspberries and white pepper. Good fruit on the palate. Jammy black raspberries. Easy to gulp. Not much complexity but seems to have some stuffing.

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  • 2007 Grey Stack Cellars Syrah The Narcissist Dry Stack Vineyard 92 Points

    USA, California, Sonoma County, Bennett Valley

    Inky purple in color. The nose is very nice. Black raspberries, grilled meats, some black pepper. Very tight layering on the palate. With air, it starts to really develop. Needs more time though it is delicious now.

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  • 2005 Pax Syrah Castelli-Knight Ranch 92 Points

    USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley

    Inky purple in color. The nose is very nice with black raspberries, bacon fat and some mineral/graphite. On the palate, there is a sweet/ripe aspect to this wine. It comes off a bit jammy and hedonistic. Not a bad thing as it is delicious. I bet ti still has more time to shed this and develop. Very good right now though.

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  • 2007 Jaffurs Syrah Verna's 92 Points

    USA, California, Central Coast, Santa Barbara County

    Purple in color. A bit of VA on the nose that obscures the fruit a bit. Still, plenty of saddle leather, grilled meats and a bit of black raspberry. On the palate, this is much better. Lots of black raspberry fruit. Very ripe. Tight layering that unwinds a bit with air. Needs time. Tasty.

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  • 2008 Jaffurs Syrah Verna's 90 Points

    USA, California, Central Coast, Santa Barbara County

    This was quite tight IMO. Bright, inky purple in color. The nose is nice but takes some coaxing. Black raspberry fruit and baseball glove. On the palate, sweet fruit packed densely. A bit of tingly acidity. Wait a few more years on this one IMO.

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