Best wine I've had in a long time, and we've opened some winners in the last year (SQN, Harlan, Bond, QC, Saxum, Alban, Pax, Peay, some great Carlisles, Aussies, northern Rhones...). You could pick up the nose from across the room when the first glass was poured - floral, beautiful fruit, not over-ripe at all, more amazing floral notes. There's nothing dulling this wine on the nose or palate, but not in any way over-bearing...this bottle was singing.
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Last of 6 bottles we had. Still great despite its relative age. Lots of blackberry a bit of cola, modest fruit with good backbone. Just an excellent bottle.
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Double decanted and then consumed over 5 hours. Medium-bodied wine that is dark magenta/purple in color. On the nose, dark cherries, vanilla oak, and light VA. On the palate, black cherries, herbs, cocoa powder, and more toasted oak on a very long, 30-40 second finish. While this wine has nice fruit and decent balance, it shows a bit of tart acidity. Stylistically, this Syrah is very elegant and reserved compared to many other CA Syrahs.
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Aromas of brewed black fruits, red currant, iron, menthol, coal dust and white pepper. Direct flavors reflected the nose with the a chocolate caramel covering and a rocky, ferous quality. The finish highlights violets and a peppery spice. Balanced, with Gallic sensibilities. Has improved and entering prime time.
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Very nice wine. Drinking well. Saturated ruby hue, rich aromas of wild cherry and red raspberry. Hints of menthol and leather. Full, yet refined tannins. Mice complexity.
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Opened and served immediately. Followed over about 2 hours. Dark garnet color in the glass, clear hue throughout. Nose was a bit subdued against what I expected showing notes of black berries, melted black licorice, a dash of roasted meat and some added notes of currants. Flavors of berries and cherries dominated with just a little cocoa powder on the slight to moderate finish. Medium acidity, tannins and body.. Drink over the shorter term. Note that it is blowing some sediment.
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Cracked this to have a glass of red wine after dinner. Very good. Notes of red and black fruits, a trace amount of smoke, white pepper and violets. It's rich and full bodied but nicely balanced and seems like it has many more years ahead of it....look forward to the rest of the bottle tonight. 91-92/100
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Really dark color. Nose is nice dark fruit, espresso, smokey fire and blood. Palate is the same as the nose, except not as much fruit. Nice acidity, nicely balanced. And a salty component that is not a distractor at all.
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Opened and served immediately. Followed over 2 1/2 hours. Dark garnet to purple color in the glass, slightly dusty looking. Nose of berries, currants, potpourri and a tiny bit of bacon. Flavors of berries, Bing cherries, raspberries and currants. Medium acidity and tannins, medium to full body. Drink over the short term. Maybe medium term if you'd like to push it a little. This bottle was just a hair behind the other.
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Dark cherries, licorice, and some spice on the nose. All follows through when tasted, but seems a bit thin and one dimensional. Surprised as the last bottle I had was excellent.
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4th of July Aromatics. Evolving and 3d, HD on the nose. Dark Fruits, Licorice, Guanciale, Vibrant flowers. Pronounced fruit on the palate, dark cherries and blackberries, but really well balanced. Banging fruit and Food Friendly, how ya like them apples? Underlying acidity. Well crafted ( seemingly a sussman tm) this was improving at the 3hr mark and is headed upward.
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Not decanted, so it took a bit of time to open up in the glass, but the aromatics were fantastic throughout. Well balanced, complex, and food friendly. Bravo!
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This is delicious. Nice nose, Great tastes of blackberries, violets, bacon fat and bloody meat. Very smooth mouthfeel. I think this has many years ahead. Yummy!!!!
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Tasted March 8, 2008. Opened and served immediately. Dark garnet to purple color in the glass, clear hue throughout. Great aromatic nose of various spices, mixed dark fruits and cocoa. Rich flavors of berries, cherries and anise. Medium acidity, firm tannins, medium to full body. Drink now with a short to medium decant or hold.
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Nose shows a sweet and dense core of blackberry liqueur, dusty red current, bramble and smoked meats, with a floral overlay. Full and rich on the palate. Relatively low acid, full but soft tannins with medium finish. Delicious, but obvious alcohol detracts from overall impression.
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Great syrah and getting better. Needs to be decanted for at least an hour. Powerful nose of blackberries,violets, licorice and smoke. Tastes of black fruit, a touch of game, bloody meat and pepper. Complex, smooth and a nice medium long finish.
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Outstanding nose of blackberries, smoke and wild game. You could smell this from across the kitchen. After a 2 hour decant this really started to sing. Black fruit, forest floor and pepper. Still has some significant unresolved tannins. Most likely could use a few more years in the cellar.
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Opaque dark purple. more meat, olives and sage interspersed with the dark fruit compared to the previous bottle. popped and poured. at first it was wound up on the palate even though it was showing nicely on the nose. tinglely tannins after about 45 minutes. after opening up for a hour or so some coffee and pepper came through complimenting the fruit through to a medium finish.
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Still needs time, the ingredients are there, but it is pretty tightly wound and holding back from its full potential. Decanted 1 hr, drank over 1 hr, leave remaining bottles for another 2 years...
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Strong nose of black fruit, meat and floral. Nice complexity and long finish. Tastes of blueberry, pepper, coffee and bloody meat. Very smooth tannins. This is a very nice syrah with an hour decant. The R-C lineup is fabulous.
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Tonight, this wine shows considerably better (to my palate) than it has in the past. The nose is full and more prominent, and the length is ripe and lingering. The fruit seems more complex, and the mouth has filled out considerably - this bottle is full and rich rather than being on the thin side. Tastes of candied fruit (though this thankfully tapers over time!), blackberry, and raw black pepper. Roundness from wood and some earth complement the package. I still find the acid to be a bit prominent, but others may disagree with some (!) merit and find it balancing. I like this bottle.
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Terrific nose, could smell this wine from across the room. Smooth taste of dark berries, smoke, bloody meat and espresso. Nice long finish. Another great Sussman syrah.
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Great bottle of wine. Nose of smoked meat, dark fruit and damp earth. Tastes of blueberries, herbs and a hint of smoke. Smooth mouthfeel with a decent finish. This continues to be a wine that is evolving nicely. Needs to be decanted for at least an hour.
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What a terrific wine. Starts with an incredible nose that you could easilly pick as a rhone wine. Needs some decanting as the previous poster noted. Eric is able to get the flavor come through much more than most syrahs from California that I've consumed. A beautiful syrah.
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If you have any of this you are in for a treat. Needs to be decanted at least an hour. This wine has evolved substantially since release. Originally very fruit forward, still shows bing cherry and blackberries but also has a great meaty, bacon fat and smoke overlay. Ths tannins have smoothed substantially with a very full mouthfeel. Sussman's syrahs really distinguish themselves as all have very distinct flavor profiles and seem built to last.
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Not enamored with this particular bottle; showed primary red and black fruit with a tart feel and finish. I'm wondering if my bottles of this wine have started downhill, as the previous one (6 months ago) was also less than I expected.
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Decanted for 40 minutes. Medium-bodied wine that is dark ruby/purple in color. On the nose, high-toned berry fruit and bacon fat. On the palate, blackberries, licorice, and vanilla ending in a very long 30-second finish. Quite elegant in style with a nice level of acidity, this wine should improve with some bottle age.
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I love Eric Sussman's wines. This syrah is drinking beautifully now and will probably improve over the years. What I love about Eric's wines is that they are not overoaked so the flavor of the grape comes through. This wine is a beauty.
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Beautiful expression of Syrah, distinctively Californian - first whiff of the nose tells you that it is Syrah - kirsch, grilled toast, hint of blood and meat, violets - bright and pretty fruits on the palate with cherry pits, herbs and just the right touch of oak. I continue to be amazed by Eric Sussman's winemaking - whether it be Syrah, Pinot Noir or Zinfandel, he is remarkably consistent, true to the varietals and manages to show his distinctive style.
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Decanted for two and a half hours. Dark purple color, quite cloudy, big body. Aroma has quite a bit of perfume but a complex fruit bouquet also, along with a bit of a mineral note. Palate is quite acidic, more of a mineral in the foreground with dark fruit medley tucked in the background, subtle tannins that have softened considerably since opening. Hot finish is really intense. Nice but not my thing.
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I think that this wine shows a lot better at hour 0 than at hour 3. At hour 0, the tastes are full and mouthfilling, with ample red (and some black) cherry flavors along with some earth and the usual spicy pepper. Ar hour three, the tastes are more tart, and there's a lot of high pitched, red fruit that seems to be getting in the way. At this point, I'd like this wine more if it had a bit less acid on the palate and the finish.
I do not think that this one's going to get better with age...
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Wow, much better than the first time I tried this. Black fruit sets up camp on the palate and moves in. Wonderful lingering fruit that complemented my raost perfectly.
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Cena con Kathy,Brian Andrew, Gia Jill, Chris (Meg,Nello, Audrey) (Mercer Island): Initially lots of vanilla showing on the nose... but that blew off and left mainly Floral, earthy and berry aromas. on the palate, it was really tight upon opening -- pretty acidic and closed on the finish. But with time finish really lengthened out. Not out of the Aussie mold mind you, but pretty meaty and deep. Blackberry, herbs... nicely structured. Sampled some after closing and next day and this kept improving give em some time and watch em shine 91-92+
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Very primary, needs lots of time. Opened and let sit for about an hour but still needed time. Probably should have decanted. Don't touch another one for at least three years.
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Surprisingly elegant compared to the bruiser '02. Flowers, bacon fat and black cherry on the nose with a hint of mint. Blackberry and meaty flavors on the round, pleasingly sweet palate. The finish is bright and fruit filled with a kiss of tannin. Very food friendly but lacks just a little intensity. Best with another 1-2 years.
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Full and intense, an interesting cherry note. Some RS. Blind I could be persuaded it's Aussie. Not the style I usually prefer, but a well-made wine in a crowd-pleasing style.
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Deep dark purple, Nose of ripe fruit with a hint of spice. Full mouth feel, blackberry and other dark fruit, white pepper. Very long finish(45+seconds). Only have one left will wait a year or so before I crack it.
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Decanted for 2 hours. Fantastic dark fruits ,chocolate notes and spice. Just enough acidity for it to be a great food wine, although I really enjoyed it after dinner. Next bottle is scheduled for 3-4 years from now.
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At first, this wine was a bit acidic - but then it rounded out nicely. Dark, with some hints of cherries and chocolate and a bit of pepper. Long finish. Not too fruity nor too meaty. Evolved nicely in the glass and was a good choice to accompany a steak.
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0-20 minutes Color: very dark purple/garnett, opaque Nose: Very dark fruit at first, with tightness right on it's heels. taste: tasted like the nose... dark tight fruit and some tannins.
after about 30 minutes - closed up a bit, the strength of the fruit relaxed and tannins and acidity continued to creep in.
2 hours - the nose has evolved to include some dark raspberry type smells with some pepper and spice. fruit is lighter, or at least it seems lighter combined with spice and acid backbone. still had a kick from some tannins.
4 hours - getting some allspice and kirsch on the nose now. very nice.
I really enjoyed this, it seemed more Rhone-like than many CA syrahs (i like some of those too though). The fruit wasn't the only standout, it was more of an ensemble cast. too bad i only have one left.
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Brooklyn Can Drink too :) (Sauls): a bit of heat, lighter and more closed nose - cherry cola comes to mind. rustic and a bit angular tannins. also a bit hollow...not my cup of tea.
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Color is dark purple to the rim. Nose shows plum jam, blueberry, creosote, and spice. On the palate a bit of disappointment. Blueberry and spice notes emerge, but an out-of-balance acidity is distracting.
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Inky dark...teeth staining. Aromas of ultra ripe fruit and a tinge of mint. Blueberry, blackberry and boysenberry fruit on the palate. Mineral/chalky qualities are hidden at this point, but are there underneath the dense fruit. Has a Northern Rhone profile. A bit closed at the moment, but nevertheless a good wine. Hints of a creamy mouth texture, but the acidity hidden underneath all the dense fruit is detectable and disturbs the creamy feel. The finish is not hot at all and the oak is not prominent. This wine needs some time...maybe 7 years...to hit its stride. At that point this wine will be an easy 90+ wine.
Had it with Greek lamb souvlaki. Excellent pairing.
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although ultimately this wine may be better, at this moment the fruit is very rip and sweet and the back end there is considerable alcohol. hard to say where this may be in 5 years.
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($40) Lovely aromas of peach blossom and black fruit. The attack is sweet and a little grapey at this point but the complexity is there in my opinion. Medium-bodied on the back end with a sweet silky texture and late tangy orange flavors. Nice.
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2003 Radio Coteau Syrah - Timbervine. Slight floral and herbed quality to the dark fruit. Beautiful balance, lots of sinewy dark fruit, and a very long finish.
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Radio Coteau Barrel Tasting (Taft Street Winery, Sebastapol, CA): Barrel Tasting: Strong, dark scents like leather with peppery overtones. Dark fruit but not a fruit bomb at all, this reminds me of a side of beef in a good way. Very much like the Porter Creek Syrah from the same vineyard that I have had in the past and liked a lot. Quite good.
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6/29/2019 - ledocq wrote:
Over the hill.
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9/12/2016 - kstoddard wrote:
G5 (Dale): Undrinkable
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1/7/2015 - Chasse Likes this wine: 95 Points
It's real and it's spectacular. :-)
Best wine I've had in a long time, and we've opened some winners in the last year (SQN, Harlan, Bond, QC, Saxum, Alban, Pax, Peay, some great Carlisles, Aussies, northern Rhones...). You could pick up the nose from across the room when the first glass was poured - floral, beautiful fruit, not over-ripe at all, more amazing floral notes. There's nothing dulling this wine on the nose or palate, but not in any way over-bearing...this bottle was singing.
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1/17/2013 - Sternmat Likes this wine: 94 Points
Last of 6 bottles we had. Still great despite its relative age. Lots of blackberry a bit of cola, modest fruit with good backbone. Just an excellent bottle.
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1/8/2012 - zheem wrote:
Amazing intense violet aroma and flavor along with cranberry followed by intense woody/graphite finish. Ready to drink.
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3/24/2011 - DFC wrote: 91 Points
Double decanted and then consumed over 5 hours. Medium-bodied wine that is dark magenta/purple in color. On the nose, dark cherries, vanilla oak, and light VA. On the palate, black cherries, herbs, cocoa powder, and more toasted oak on a very long, 30-40 second finish. While this wine has nice fruit and decent balance, it shows a bit of tart acidity. Stylistically, this Syrah is very elegant and reserved compared to many other CA Syrahs.
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5/31/2010 - pgordon62 wrote: 92 Points
Aromas of brewed black fruits, red currant, iron, menthol, coal dust and white pepper. Direct flavors reflected the nose with the a chocolate caramel covering and a rocky, ferous quality. The finish highlights violets and a peppery spice. Balanced, with Gallic sensibilities. Has improved and entering prime time.
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11/5/2009 - stocksandbondage wrote: 91 Points
Very nice wine. Drinking well. Saturated ruby hue, rich aromas of wild cherry and red raspberry. Hints of menthol and leather. Full, yet refined tannins. Mice complexity.
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10/11/2009 - wineismylife wrote: 90 Points
WIML90
Tasting October 11, 2009.
Opened and served immediately. Followed over about 2 hours. Dark garnet color in the glass, clear hue throughout. Nose was a bit subdued against what I expected showing notes of black berries, melted black licorice, a dash of roasted meat and some added notes of currants. Flavors of berries and cherries dominated with just a little cocoa powder on the slight to moderate finish. Medium acidity, tannins and body.. Drink over the shorter term. Note that it is blowing some sediment.
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9/19/2009 - jbaron wrote: 87 Points
Either I don't get this wine, or I have a bunch of equivalently strange bottles. Dense, overripe, strange.
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7/19/2009 - tonyvelebil wrote: 91 Points
Cracked this to have a glass of red wine after dinner. Very good. Notes of red and black fruits, a trace amount of smoke, white pepper and violets. It's rich and full bodied but nicely balanced and seems like it has many more years ahead of it....look forward to the rest of the bottle tonight. 91-92/100
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5/17/2009 - lorenzo wrote:
I was not very happy with how this wine showed tonight. Loads of Cedar and disjointed.
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1/23/2009 - lestergibo wrote: 93 Points
Very nice, but would benefit from more time.
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1/13/2009 - caboychuck wrote:
Really dark color. Nose is nice dark fruit, espresso, smokey fire and blood. Palate is the same as the nose, except not as much fruit. Nice acidity, nicely balanced. And a salty component that is not a distractor at all.
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1/12/2009 - wineismylife wrote: 90 Points
WIML90
Tasted January 12, 2009.
Opened and served immediately. Followed over 2 1/2 hours. Dark garnet to purple color in the glass, slightly dusty looking. Nose of berries, currants, potpourri and a tiny bit of bacon. Flavors of berries, Bing cherries, raspberries and currants. Medium acidity and tannins, medium to full body. Drink over the short term. Maybe medium term if you'd like to push it a little. This bottle was just a hair behind the other.
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1/7/2009 - ChillyWino wrote:
Dark cherries, licorice, and some spice on the nose. All follows through when tasted, but seems a bit thin and one dimensional. Surprised as the last bottle I had was excellent.
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7/8/2008 - scooter260 wrote: 93 Points
Beautiful wine. Heavy, yet light (make sense?). Lasted a good 3 days. Enjoyed with mu shu pork.
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6/28/2008 - lorenzo wrote: 93 Points
4th of July Aromatics. Evolving and 3d, HD on the nose. Dark Fruits, Licorice, Guanciale, Vibrant flowers. Pronounced fruit on the palate, dark cherries and blackberries, but really well balanced. Banging fruit and Food Friendly, how ya like them apples? Underlying acidity. Well crafted ( seemingly a sussman tm) this was improving at the 3hr mark and is headed upward.
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6/9/2008 - Erik R. wrote: 93 Points
herbal and spicy, meaty, with dark berries with paprika, sage and coriander notes, this was delicious. soft mouthfeel but not loose. very precise.
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4/12/2008 - orcharddude22 wrote: flawed
Corked
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3/29/2008 - 2loyal wrote: 92 Points
Not decanted, so it took a bit of time to open up in the glass, but the aromatics were fantastic throughout. Well balanced, complex, and food friendly. Bravo!
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3/29/2008 - orcharddude22 wrote: 92 Points
This is delicious. Nice nose, Great tastes of blackberries, violets, bacon fat and bloody meat. Very smooth mouthfeel. I think this has many years ahead. Yummy!!!!
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3/9/2008 - Diane (LI) wrote:
Big, but balanced. Licorice and dark fruit on the nose and palate. The high alcohol was not noticeable. A delicious wine.
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3/8/2008 - wineismylife wrote: 91 Points
DAWGS March 2008 - New vs Old World Rhones (WineWave's house in McKinney, TX): WIML91
Tasted March 8, 2008. Opened and served immediately. Dark garnet to purple color in the glass, clear hue throughout. Great aromatic nose of various spices, mixed dark fruits and cocoa. Rich flavors of berries, cherries and anise. Medium acidity, firm tannins, medium to full body. Drink now with a short to medium decant or hold.
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1/6/2008 - Haltermr wrote: 90 Points
Nose shows a sweet and dense core of blackberry liqueur, dusty red current, bramble and smoked meats, with a floral overlay. Full and rich on the palate. Relatively low acid, full but soft tannins with medium finish. Delicious, but obvious alcohol detracts from overall impression.
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1/4/2008 - orcharddude22 wrote: 92 Points
Great syrah and getting better. Needs to be decanted for at least an hour. Powerful nose of blackberries,violets, licorice and smoke. Tastes of black fruit, a touch of game, bloody meat and pepper. Complex, smooth and a nice medium long finish.
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12/23/2007 - budman wrote: 91 Points
A big favorite!!!
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12/3/2007 - orcharddude22 wrote: 91 Points
Outstanding nose of blackberries, smoke and wild game. You could smell this from across the kitchen. After a 2 hour decant this really started to sing. Black fruit, forest floor and pepper. Still has some significant unresolved tannins. Most likely could use a few more years in the cellar.
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11/5/2007 - AlexRed wrote: 91 Points
Opaque dark purple.
more meat, olives and sage interspersed with the dark fruit compared to the previous bottle.
popped and poured. at first it was wound up on the palate even though it was showing nicely on the nose.
tinglely tannins after about 45 minutes.
after opening up for a hour or so some coffee and pepper came through complimenting the fruit through to a medium finish.
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10/19/2007 - jbposell wrote:
Still needs time, the ingredients are there, but it is pretty tightly wound and holding back from its full potential. Decanted 1 hr, drank over 1 hr, leave remaining bottles for another 2 years...
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9/9/2007 - lbrent wrote: 89 Points
Cherry pop-tart nose, warming up from cellar temp, meat spice come out.
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8/18/2007 - jbaron wrote: 88 Points
Another note for bottle variation, this one showed tart and on the slightly thin side, somewhere between my two previous notes.
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8/18/2007 - orcharddude22 wrote: 93 Points
See earlier notes, great syrah.
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7/17/2007 - orcharddude22 wrote: 93 Points
Strong nose of black fruit, meat and floral. Nice complexity and long finish. Tastes of blueberry, pepper, coffee and bloody meat. Very smooth tannins. This is a very nice syrah with an hour decant. The R-C lineup is fabulous.
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7/3/2007 - jbaron wrote: 93 Points
Tonight, this wine shows considerably better (to my palate) than it has in the past. The nose is full and more prominent, and the length is ripe and lingering. The fruit seems more complex, and the mouth has filled out considerably - this bottle is full and rich rather than being on the thin side. Tastes of candied fruit (though this thankfully tapers over time!), blackberry, and raw black pepper. Roundness from wood and some earth complement the package. I still find the acid to be a bit prominent, but others may disagree with some (!) merit and find it balancing. I like this bottle.
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6/22/2007 - zheem wrote:
This is FINE syrah! I will try to wait several more years until I open the next...we'll see!
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6/22/2007 - orcharddude22 wrote: 92 Points
See earlier notes, these are great syrahs!
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6/14/2007 - orcharddude22 wrote: 92 Points
Terrific nose, could smell this wine from across the room. Smooth taste of dark berries, smoke, bloody meat and espresso. Nice long finish. Another great Sussman syrah.
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5/30/2007 - orcharddude22 wrote: 91 Points
Great bottle of wine. Nose of smoked meat, dark fruit and damp earth. Tastes of blueberries, herbs and a hint of smoke. Smooth mouthfeel with a decent finish. This continues to be a wine that is evolving nicely. Needs to be decanted for at least an hour.
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5/20/2007 - Geoffrey Carter wrote: 92 Points
Regardless of the varietal, Eric knows his stuff. Excellent bottle. I will hold the last for three years.
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4/25/2007 - orcharddude22 wrote: flawed
Corked
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4/19/2007 - Screameagle wrote: 92 Points
What a terrific wine. Starts with an incredible nose that you could easilly pick as a rhone wine. Needs some decanting as the previous poster noted. Eric is able to get the flavor come through much more than most syrahs from California that I've consumed. A beautiful syrah.
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4/14/2007 - orcharddude22 wrote: 92 Points
If you have any of this you are in for a treat. Needs to be decanted at least an hour. This wine has evolved substantially since release. Originally very fruit forward, still shows bing cherry and blackberries but also has a great meaty, bacon fat and smoke overlay. Ths tannins have smoothed substantially with a very full mouthfeel. Sussman's syrahs really distinguish themselves as all have very distinct flavor profiles and seem built to last.
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2/5/2007 - jbaron wrote: 87 Points
Not enamored with this particular bottle; showed primary red and black fruit with a tart feel and finish. I'm wondering if my bottles of this wine have started downhill, as the previous one (6 months ago) was also less than I expected.
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11/4/2006 - DCHeel84 wrote: 91 Points
Very good, still a bit tannic; tasted with Carlisle Bennett Valley 2003, which I preferred.
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10/5/2006 - DFC wrote: 91 Points
Decanted for 40 minutes. Medium-bodied wine that is dark ruby/purple in color. On the nose, high-toned berry fruit and bacon fat. On the palate, blackberries, licorice, and vanilla ending in a very long 30-second finish. Quite elegant in style with a nice level of acidity, this wine should improve with some bottle age.
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9/20/2006 - Screameagle wrote: 91 Points
I love Eric Sussman's wines. This syrah is drinking beautifully now and will probably improve over the years. What I love about Eric's wines is that they are not overoaked so the flavor of the grape comes through. This wine is a beauty.
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9/18/2006 - jaimetown wrote: 92 Points
Beautiful expression of Syrah, distinctively Californian - first whiff of the nose tells you that it is Syrah - kirsch, grilled toast, hint of blood and meat, violets - bright and pretty fruits on the palate with cherry pits, herbs and just the right touch of oak. I continue to be amazed by Eric Sussman's winemaking - whether it be Syrah, Pinot Noir or Zinfandel, he is remarkably consistent, true to the varietals and manages to show his distinctive style.
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9/15/2006 - Burgundy Al wrote: 90 Points
Young California Syrah (Chez Shaffer - Highland Park IL): Tasted blind. Good aromas aromas that are ripe but balanced. Red and black fruit with good structural support, also showing some finesse on finish.
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9/15/2006 - winefool wrote: 91 Points
Wineflock Intro/Retro - California Syrah (The Shaffer's): Medium aroma of round blackberry. Big bold very tight acid black fruit with puckering tannin and a coffee finish.
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9/15/2006 - mattowan wrote: 91 Points
Fairly typical syrah nose. Raspberry on the palate. A bit hot early on. Nice acidity and long finish.
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9/15/2006 - Nanda wrote: 91 Points
Wine Flock: California Syrah - An Introspective / Retrospective Tasting (The Shaffer's - Highland Park, IL): Nose has bright and youthful red / black fruits and vanillin. Palate is richly textured with ripe fruit and firm tannin. Long fruit-filled finish makes the alcohol imperceivalbe in this wine. Very nicely done but will be better with a couple of years (group #7, my #7).
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8/3/2006 - CP wrote: 88 Points
Decanted for two and a half hours. Dark purple color, quite cloudy, big body. Aroma has quite a bit of perfume but a complex fruit bouquet also, along with a bit of a mineral note. Palate is quite acidic, more of a mineral in the foreground with dark fruit medley tucked in the background, subtle tannins that have softened considerably since opening. Hot finish is really intense. Nice but not my thing.
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8/1/2006 - jbaron wrote: 89 Points
I think that this wine shows a lot better at hour 0 than at hour 3. At hour 0, the tastes are full and mouthfilling, with ample red (and some black) cherry flavors along with some earth and the usual spicy pepper. Ar hour three, the tastes are more tart, and there's a lot of high pitched, red fruit that seems to be getting in the way. At this point, I'd like this wine more if it had a bit less acid on the palate and the finish.
I do not think that this one's going to get better with age...
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6/4/2006 - mattowan wrote: 94 Points
Wow, much better than the first time I tried this. Black fruit sets up camp on the palate and moves in. Wonderful lingering fruit that complemented my raost perfectly.
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6/2/2006 - lorenzo wrote: 91 Points
Cena con Kathy,Brian Andrew, Gia Jill, Chris (Meg,Nello, Audrey) (Mercer Island): Initially lots of vanilla showing on the nose...
but that blew off and left mainly
Floral, earthy and berry aromas.
on the palate, it was really tight upon opening -- pretty acidic and closed on the finish.
But with time finish really lengthened out. Not out of the Aussie mold mind you, but pretty meaty and deep.
Blackberry, herbs... nicely structured.
Sampled some after closing and next day and this kept improving
give em some time and watch em shine 91-92+
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5/26/2006 - JScott wrote: 92 Points
Liked this one better than the last one.
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5/14/2006 - skwid wrote:
Very primary, needs lots of time. Opened and let sit for about an hour but still needed time. Probably should have decanted. Don't touch another one for at least three years.
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3/31/2006 - pgordon62 wrote: 90 Points
Surprisingly elegant compared to the bruiser '02. Flowers, bacon fat and black cherry on the nose with a hint of mint. Blackberry and meaty flavors on the round, pleasingly sweet palate. The finish is bright and fruit filled with a kiss of tannin. Very food friendly but lacks just a little intensity. Best with another 1-2 years.
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3/31/2006 - JScott wrote: 91 Points
Full and intense, an interesting cherry note. Some RS. Blind I could be persuaded it's Aussie. Not the style I usually prefer, but a well-made wine in a crowd-pleasing style.
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3/3/2006 - Seanr7 wrote: 93 Points
Deep dark purple, Nose of ripe fruit with a hint of spice. Full mouth feel, blackberry and other dark fruit, white pepper. Very long finish(45+seconds). Only have one left will wait a year or so before I crack it.
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2/12/2006 - Geoffrey Carter wrote: 92 Points
Tremendous food wine. Great body, full nose, lingering finish. Decanted 30 minutes. I will wait 2 years for the next one.
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12/25/2005 - Cellar Keeper wrote: 92 Points
Decanted for 2 hours. Fantastic dark fruits ,chocolate notes and spice. Just enough acidity for it to be a great food wine, although I really enjoyed it after dinner. Next bottle is scheduled for 3-4 years from now.
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11/28/2005 - t_moderne wrote:
At first, this wine was a bit acidic - but then it rounded out nicely. Dark, with some hints of cherries and chocolate and a bit of pepper. Long finish. Not too fruity nor too meaty. Evolved nicely in the glass and was a good choice to accompany a steak.
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10/27/2005 - AlexRed wrote: 92 Points
0-20 minutes
Color: very dark purple/garnett, opaque
Nose: Very dark fruit at first, with tightness right on it's heels.
taste: tasted like the nose... dark tight fruit and some tannins.
after about 30 minutes - closed up a bit, the strength of the fruit relaxed and tannins and acidity continued to creep in.
2 hours - the nose has evolved to include some dark raspberry type smells with some pepper and spice. fruit is lighter, or at least it seems lighter combined with spice and acid backbone. still had a kick from some tannins.
4 hours - getting some allspice and kirsch on the nose now. very nice.
I really enjoyed this, it seemed more Rhone-like than many CA syrahs (i like some of those too though). The fruit wasn't the only standout, it was more of an ensemble cast. too bad i only have one left.
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8/20/2005 - Mlermontov wrote: 88 Points
Brooklyn Can Drink too :) (Sauls): a bit of heat, lighter and more closed nose - cherry cola comes to mind. rustic and a bit angular tannins. also a bit hollow...not my cup of tea.
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8/8/2005 - Thilo wrote: 87 Points
Color is dark purple to the rim. Nose shows plum jam, blueberry, creosote, and spice. On the palate a bit of disappointment. Blueberry and spice notes emerge, but an out-of-balance acidity is distracting.
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7/21/2005 - Jay A wrote: 89 Points
Inky dark...teeth staining. Aromas of ultra ripe fruit and a tinge of mint. Blueberry, blackberry and boysenberry fruit on the palate. Mineral/chalky qualities are hidden at this point, but are there underneath the dense fruit. Has a Northern Rhone profile. A bit closed at the moment, but nevertheless a good wine. Hints of a creamy mouth texture, but the acidity hidden underneath all the dense fruit is detectable and disturbs the creamy feel. The finish is not hot at all and the oak is not prominent. This wine needs some time...maybe 7 years...to hit its stride. At that point this wine will be an easy 90+ wine.
Had it with Greek lamb souvlaki. Excellent pairing.
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7/20/2005 - NobleRot wrote: 89 Points
Medium to full bodied, lots of black fruits. A tad hot on the finish. Decent wine.
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7/12/2005 - christopher wish wrote: 88 Points
although ultimately this wine may be better, at this moment the fruit is very rip and sweet and the back end there is considerable alcohol. hard to say where this may be in 5 years.
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4/5/2005 - OneLastSyrah wrote:
($40) Lovely aromas of peach blossom and black fruit. The attack is sweet and a little grapey at this point but the complexity is there in my opinion. Medium-bodied on the back end with a sweet silky texture and late tangy orange flavors. Nice.
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2/15/2005 - Ddog wrote:
2003 Radio Coteau Syrah - Timbervine. Slight floral and herbed quality to the dark fruit. Beautiful balance, lots of sinewy dark fruit, and a very long finish.
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7/8/2004 - PatLee wrote:
Radio Coteau Barrel Tasting (Taft Street Winery, Sebastapol, CA): Barrel Tasting: Strong, dark scents like leather with peppery overtones. Dark fruit but not a fruit bomb at all, this reminds me of a side of beef in a good way. Very much like the Porter Creek Syrah from the same vineyard that I have had in the past and liked a lot. Quite good.
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