NSFOW March--Blinded Syrah
The Grapevine, Salem, MA
Tasted Thursday, March 5, 2009 by cgrimes with 522 views
Introduction
Our March gathering concentrated on Syrah, and there was a pretty good sampling of the various styles from all over the world--even two Italian Syrahs. I especially enjoyed the mini-vertical of the Brune et Blonde. As usual the tasting courses were excellent. My wife took the prize of the most accurate guesses.
Flight 1 (8 Notes)
Closing
Next month Justin will be presenting wine from promising new California wineries.
2005 Kaesler Shiraz The Bogan 89 Points
Australia, South Australia, Barossa, Barossa Valley
Similar to my previous note. Dark opaque ruby. Nose of blackberry, plum, blueberry. Fruity palate with some spice and lots of heat. Not my style but seems to be a crowd pleaser.
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2001 Ojai Syrah Roll Ranch Vineyard 89 Points
USA, California, South Coast, Ventura County
Purple opaque. Nose of dark fruits with an earthiness lacking in the Kaestler. Similar palate with some tar, oak, earth. Still tannic. A little more Old World in style. I enjoyed this.
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2005 Villa Pillo Syrah Toscana IGT 88 Points
Italy, Tuscany, Toscana IGT
Brought by David and turned out to be the ringer (though my wife guessed Italian Syrah). Purple color. Evolving nose of basil, some mint, dark fruits (muted), earth, minerals. Fruit improved with aeration. Some iron and meat. Strong tannins. Clearly Old World in style, I incorrectly guessed No. Rhone.
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1996 Sine Qua Non Against the Wall 95 Points
USA, California, Central Coast
Similar to my previous note: Dark ruby, almost opaque. Youthful nose of dark berries and cherries, flowers, some spice/smoke. Palate showed initially floral then the dark berries came through then cherries. Nice acidity and residual tannic structure. Spectacular wine! Not to be fooled again, my guess was that if it is delicious, shows complete absence of terroir, and brought by Louis, it must be a SQN. Thanks to Louis for another gem!
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2007 Cusumano Syrah Sicilia 86 Points
Italy, Sicily, Sicilia
Purple color. Fruity and simple. Not a bad choice for a party.
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2000 E. Guigal Côte-Rôtie Brune et Blonde 90 Points
France, Rhône, Northern Rhône, Côte-Rôtie
Lighter purple. Nose of dark fruits, minerals, slight funkiness. Palate of very smooth dark berries, some cassis, tar, iron, bacon fat. Smooth tannins. Great wine. Not quite as much stuffing as the '98
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1998 E. Guigal Côte-Rôtie Brune et Blonde 91 Points
France, Rhône, Northern Rhône, Côte-Rôtie
Light purple. Similar nose and palate to the 2000 but slightly more density of fruit and tannic structure. Both were lovely wines and drinking very well.
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2002 Kaesler Shiraz Stonehorse 89 Points
Australia, South Australia, Barossa, Barossa Valley
Purple opaque. Nose of blackberry, blueberry, some plum, some minerals and tar. Similar on the palate along with a bit of heat. Tannins are fairly smooth. Decent wine. Agree with Wrighty that this is unlikely to improve much with further ageing.
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