Important Update From the Founder
Read message >
NSFOW March--Blinded Syrah
The Grapevine, Salem, MA
Tasted March 5, 2009 by cgrimes with 466 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)
Red
2005 Kaesler Shiraz The Bogan
89 points
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.
Red
2001 Ojai Syrah Roll Ranch Vineyard
89 points
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.
Red
2005 Villa Pillo Syrah Toscana IGT
88 points
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.
Red
1996 Sine Qua Non Against the Wall
95 points
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!
Red
2007 Cusumano Syrah Sicilia
86 points
Purple color. Fruity and simple. Not a bad choice for a party.
Red
2000 E. Guigal Côte-Rôtie Brune et Blonde
90 points
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
Red
1998 E. Guigal Côte-Rôtie Brune et Blonde
91 points
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.
Red
2002 Kaesler Shiraz Stonehorse
89 points
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.
Closing
Next month Justin will be presenting wine from promising new California wineries.