December 25, 2016 - After some air, this was really lovely - velvety smooth, excellent oak management.
January 31, 2014 - Always enjoy an Elyse Syrah, esp. an aged one! Smooth as silk
November 24, 2013 - Nose had a loamy note, but the wine's taste was wonderful. Fruity and smooth viscous feel in the mouth. Very nice.
October 5, 2011 - A medium to dark ruby color. Blackberries, smoked meat, pepper, licorice, dark chocolate, a bit of earthiness, and a slight floral note on the open and expressive nose. Medium body with ripe tannins and decent acidity. Loads of spicy, peppery fruit on the palate with a distinct dark chocolate note. A touch soft, but with enough of a tannic backbone to support the flavor without getting to dense. I think this needs killed off in the next year or two at most before it loses any of its' precious acidity. Drinking nicely.
August 15, 2011 - A medium to dark ruby color. Smoked meat, pepper, blackberries, blueberries, licorice, underbrush, and a bit of dark chocolate on the very nice and open nose. Medium body with ripe tannins and decent acidity. On the palate the dark chocolate comes out a bit more providing a nice compliment to the smoky, meaty fruit. A bit more pepper and spice adds complexity on the finish, which has nice length. I don't understand how I was able to get this direct from the winery for $15, at that price this is an absolute steal. I wouldn't cellar for more then another year or two, due to the slightly soft acidity. Drink up and enjoy.
April 18, 2011 - A nice medium to dark ruby color. Cedar, smoked meat, pepper, and blackberries, on the nose with hints of licorice and fresh flowers. Medium body with soft, ripe tannins and slightly lower acidity than I'd like, making the wine a bit soft. Nice balance between the fruit and savory notes on the palate. Finish is a bit short and a slight stemmy note creeps in towards the end that I could do without. I've had this wine in the past and I don't remember the green stemmy note, perhaps it will integrate with some air. I don't think this is a candidate for extended cellar time, not enough tannins or acidity. Enjoy now.
January 26, 2011 - Strawberry-blueberry nose with a little herb, garnet color, little chocolate, peppery-heat on the finish. Classic Elyse-- long finish! Nice bottle
November 29, 2010 - Medium ruby color. Blackberries, smoked meat, blueberries, licorice, spicy oak, and a faint floral note on the nose. Medium body with ripe, integrated tannins and decent acidity. Nice and rich on the palate with the spicy, peppery berries giving way to a touch too much oak. I had hoped the oak would have integrated a bit better, but not yet. With the lower acidity, I don't think the wine will support extended cellar time, so it will always be a bit oaky. Even with the extra oak, this is still a very tasty syrah.
May 23, 2010 - better than the '06 at this point, a lot going on. katy & i both liked this wine very much.
April 25, 2010 - A nice, medium ruby color. Blackberries, smoked meat, a nice floral note, and some dried herbs on the nose. Medium body with soft, ripe tannins and decent acidity. Bigger on the palate then the nose would lead you to think. Loads of smoky, spicy, blackberries with some complimentary oak notes on the palate. Lingering finish with the spicy berries giving way to a bit of oak. Not made in a massive, blockbuster style, but perfect to accompany your dinner.