Community Tasting Note
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RedLoverJim wrote: 85 points
August 2, 2019 - Open from magnum alongside a magnum of the 2014. Decanted about half of both bottles about 1pm, then compared the two vintages both decanted and straight from the recorked bottles starting about 8pm. Both vintages showed quite a bit better from the bottle having just been reopened than they did from the decanter. I would say maybe 30-60 minute decant is good for both, or if they'll be out longer just let them breath in the bottle.
The 2015 had some funk on the nose at first that did blow off, but was a little out of balance in general, with a little more tart fruit acidity than should have been prominent. Reading the WS vintage report, it looks like Syrah had a hard time ripening for many in this area, and that seems a likely reason for the acidity. Some barnyard funk remained throughout.
The 2014 from the bottle was the winner of the four glasses for both tasters. This vintage had 20% Grenache blended in which really seemed to bolster the Syrah from a weaker vintage. This displayed more lush ripe strawberry and blackberry characteristics with just a hint of tart cranberry on the finish that wasn't unpleasant.
Both vintages are ones to drink soon, even from magnum.2 people found this helpful 2,509 views