Community Tasting Note
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Why Yes wrote: 93 points
April 9, 2011 - 11.5% alcohol?!?! per the label. Cool and, erm, cool.
Awesome wine.
The nose presents itself with all the typical notes that have become synonymous with the low alcohol Syrah movement in the cooler climes of Sonoma County. I first encountered a nose of this type with Pax's first Majik bottling, which was just TOO brambly, bright and edgy for my palate. This A-R Clary is more refined and less abrasive. The nose is all about whole cluster fermentation, bright, floral, woodsy, bright and floral (yes, I typed that twice on purpose). White flowers are the lasting impression here.
The palate is SO fresh and light, with nothing to weigh it down or distract from its lift. I expected pepper but arrived at flowers (lilacs, lily of the valley), along with tobacco leaves, herbs de provence and thyme. Most notably, however, is how damn fruity this wine is! Not the juicy, jammy fruit of the cultier Syrahs, but a crisp, pure, firm profile of fruit. No compote here. Deep,dark blackberries, that are still firm to the touch, and require a small tug to get off the bush.
Rumors had this wine being the opposite of my experience. The rumors were wrong, they definitely got this one right. I would guess little new oak, and 100% whole cluster from smell and taste, but don't know for sure. Someone correct me if I'm wrong.5,652 views