April 12, 2020 - Dark fruit and dark berries on the nose. Deep ruby color, moderate legs. Medium mouth feel with spice, plum, cherry, coffee and a slight sensation of oak. Smooth medium finish. This wine improved greatly after about an hour and continued to improve. Be sure to have it opened for at least an hour before drinking.
January 24, 2020 - Pretty awful upon opening - seemed like it might have been stored too long and gone off; to the extent that we put it aside in favor of something better. But the next day, when we gave it another try, the “off” taste had mellowed and a nice balance prevailed - definitely well above average at that point
November 2, 2018 - Dusty, dirty and meaty. Sweet upon the initial taste. Good structure. There's nothing bad about this wine, but I didn't find it too exciting.
November 4, 2016 - Wonderful balance of smoke, leather, pepper, and fennel wrapped in velvet.
August 14, 2016 - Upon the pop and pour, a bit hot, smelled like Mollydooker, but it settled down within an hour and become a solid Syrah worth the discounted price. Red fruited, broad, nice sugar/acid balance in the end if a bit forward and simple overall.
July 1, 2016 - Forgot to put this in the notes earlier, as I wrote it up elsewhere. This wine is big, which might have had something to do with Helen Turley's involvement. On opening, smelled hot, and probably overly fruit-driven. First tastes were pretty consistent with that. However, over time it settled down into something more savory, with some apparent oak and still quite a big hit of fruit. More time, and it was getting closer to the kinds of Syrahs I like--savory, gamy, olive-y, smoky, tannic without overt oak--but it never did get there. Winemaking seemed to take over the grapes. Glad to have tried it, but won't be coming back. I do not agree that it is old world, unless you are talking about old world wines that have become oaked and over ripe in response to a certain not old world critic. So, yeah, Chapoutier would make a wine like this, but...
May 19, 2016 - I am a big Martinelli fan but, this Syrah which is Packed with potential but it just doesn't come together. Somewhat of an old world style but missing that kiss of fruit that it needed. Muted fruit, bitter blood and no start or finish.
April 11, 2016 - On opening this was a big nose full of alcohol, leather, and dark fruit. Took a few minutes for it to blow off and turn a little more balanced. Now there are hints of pepper (both bell and black), bacon fat, and more spices and peppercorn on the nose. Surprisingly medium density on the palate, but backed up with a whole lot of tannin. Slight bitterness on the palate as well, with plum, dark cherry, and a finish of long pepper. Hints of vanilla as well. Nice acidity, putting it (imo) in the balanced new world side of things.
This does brighten up a bit with air, even as it also gains some dark chocolate notes. Interesting wine thus far.
Night two, came across as more restrained, but still clearly Syrah. Probably this will benefit from some more time in bottle.
March 13, 2016 - Possibly a bad bottle
February 27, 2016 - A bit too boozy, and a tad sweet, especially in the beginning -- turns leaner over time. Notes of bitter cherries and tar.
15.2% ABV.
89+