Community Tasting Note

ChefR0b wrote:

Monday, August 24, 2009 - 100% Syrah. Elegant and well-balanced with new world style and old world structure. Yes, Silene is more fruity when compared to those typically found in Northern Rhone, but it is not at all like an Aussie Shiraz. Most Shiraz from Australia is so bold and in your face with black pepper and murky dark fruits that things can get quite overwhelming on the palate. This particular bottle overcomes typical Aussie Shiraz by featuring a good amount of lucious red fruits (instead of 100% black fruits) and subtle mixed spice (instead of 100% black pepper). The aroma consists of mineral and rosemary inflected wild red berries. On the palate, it has nice acid in the beginning and relaxed tannins on the finish. Overall, this is a wonderfully, slightly dry Syrah with excellent structure and focus.

I don't bother myself as to whether or not a varietal has the same exact characteristics as the rest in that particular area; that is not important. Staying true to the varietal itself however is important. You don't want Syrah to taste like Pinot Noir or vice-versa. You should welcome uniqueness. I believe that every Syrah shouldn't be dominated by black pepper and murky dark fruits just like every Sauvignon Blanc should not be dominated by the three G's: grapefruit, grass and gooseberry. That gets very boring and predictable. Subtle variations from typical Syrah notes and the inclusion of more red fruit flavor makes Silene stand apart from the rest. You need to let this bottle breathe in order for the flavors and aromas to come together so you can truly appreciate it.

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