This was a bit limited and weak compared to vintages like '08 and '09. Not a lot of charm and a bit pricey for what it is. Vintage really counts with this wine.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Lovely definition and poise. I had the '08, '09 and '13 recently. This vintage is a bit tighter and compact and less plush compared to those other vintages but still lovely. This has more elegance and focus than other vintages which can be more huge and dramatic. There is some cedar, spice and forest floor which some of the other vintages don't have. There is a terrific licorice note which emerges after a couple of hours contributing to an amazing persistence on the finish and there is more structure vs. the '13 which is more soft and loose. This should benefit from two or three more years of bottle age. This vintage feels closer to a CDP and has less of the typical markers I find with a Paso Syrah. If you enjoy Paso Robles Syrah, you owe it to yourself to explore these Pipestone Reserve expressions - they are stunning and they fly under the radar. I just picked up another mixed-vintage case of Reserves - shipped from the winery.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
9/18/2019 - John McCabe wrote: 91 Points
This was a bit limited and weak compared to vintages like '08 and '09. Not a lot of charm and a bit pricey for what it is. Vintage really counts with this wine.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
3/6/2017 - John McCabe wrote: 93 Points
Lovely definition and poise. I had the '08, '09 and '13 recently. This vintage is a bit tighter and compact and less plush compared to those other vintages but still lovely. This has more elegance and focus than other vintages which can be more huge and dramatic. There is some cedar, spice and forest floor which some of the other vintages don't have. There is a terrific licorice note which emerges after a couple of hours contributing to an amazing persistence on the finish and there is more structure vs. the '13 which is more soft and loose. This should benefit from two or three more years of bottle age. This vintage feels closer to a CDP and has less of the typical markers I find with a Paso Syrah. If you enjoy Paso Robles Syrah, you owe it to yourself to explore these Pipestone Reserve expressions - they are stunning and they fly under the radar. I just picked up another mixed-vintage case of Reserves - shipped from the winery.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment