Decanted 45 minutes. Violets, black fruits and spices. Medium finish but with an angular tannic note that finally went away after 90 minutes. Stil - a unique treat for an Oregon Syrah! Seems to be in a good drinking window, but has the structure to remain at peak for several more years.
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This Syrah has mellowed into a delightful slightly spicy, smooth delicious red. Any bite you might associate with a Syrah is gone here yet the spicy note is there but incredibly smooth. If there is any tannin it is almost imperceptible. I did not take tasting notes when drinking so I won't make them up, but if you have this I recommend drinking it now, if you don't have it, go get some.
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A unique Syrah from Willamette! Decanted 30 minutes, but maybe should have been longer as this still seems like a youngster. Spices, smoke and blue fruits on the nose. Lots of blackberry on the palate with some black pepper and maybe a bit of cola. Spicy finish with well-defined fruit and very good structure - the tannins and acid bode well for 5+ years of aging. Will hold my last bottle for at least another year. 91+
Decanted for several hours. Lingering aromas of blackberries and blueberries. Lots of blackberry flavors with some spice and licorice and a hint of mocha. Full bodied with a long finish. Acidity, tannins and fruit all in balance. Great wine.
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Decanted 2+ hours. Paired with Traeger smoked baby backs. Although known for their phenomenal Pinot’s, Cristom’s Syrah is simply amazing. We are so lucky to live close by and be members. If you have the chance, one of the best in the Willamette Valley and the price point makes Cristom a superstar.
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Quite floral! Ripe black and blue fruits piled on top of green peppercorn and dried dill. For such a ripe year in Willamette, this is still relatively refreshing. Tannins are grainy and refined (classic syrah for me), but presented in a softer, new world style.
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I like Syrah that doesn't exhibit the overt Syrah varietal character (like many northern Rhones). This is such a wine. If tasted blind, I would have guessed young Cote Rotie. Excellent now, but will reach new heights and complexity with bottle age.
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Accidentally opened, thought I had grabbed Pinot. Oh well, this was drinking great. Good acidity and soft tannins, deep rich flavor with lavender (?) Notes. Going to try this with some lamb Provencal style. 30-45 minute decant and drank over 2 hours.
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7/9/2023 - BHRH Likes this wine: 91 Points
Decanted 45 minutes. Violets, black fruits and spices. Medium finish but with an angular tannic note that finally went away after 90 minutes. Stil - a unique treat for an Oregon Syrah! Seems to be in a good drinking window, but has the structure to remain at peak for several more years.
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9/25/2021 - krhaugh Likes this wine: 92 Points
Drinking great right now. No reason to wait.
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8/6/2021 - Bordeaux-OH-OH! Likes this wine: 89 Points
This Syrah has mellowed into a delightful slightly spicy, smooth delicious red. Any bite you might associate with a Syrah is gone here yet the spicy note is there but incredibly smooth. If there is any tannin it is almost imperceptible. I did not take tasting notes when drinking so I won't make them up, but if you have this I recommend drinking it now, if you don't have it, go get some.
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4/11/2021 - BHRH Likes this wine: 91 Points
A unique Syrah from Willamette! Decanted 30 minutes, but maybe should have been longer as this still seems like a youngster. Spices, smoke and blue fruits on the nose. Lots of blackberry on the palate with some black pepper and maybe a bit of cola. Spicy finish with well-defined fruit and very good structure - the tannins and acid bode well for 5+ years of aging. Will hold my last bottle for at least another year. 91+
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8/14/2020 - Bmathews Likes this wine: 92 Points
This one is really tasting good right now. Had a bottle with steaks and it really paired well. Opened up in about 20 minutes, no need to decant.
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4/15/2020 - krhaugh Likes this wine: 92 Points
Lovely red fruit. Delicious wine in a nice window.
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11/29/2019 - robmillis wrote: 93 Points
Rich with blackberry, earth, coffee, raspberry. Perfect compliment to a Thanksgiving feast, and drinking beautifully right now.
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2/15/2019 - rougeamore Likes this wine: 94 Points
Decanted for several hours. Lingering aromas of blackberries and blueberries. Lots of blackberry flavors with some spice and licorice and a hint of mocha. Full bodied with a long finish. Acidity, tannins and fruit all in balance. Great wine.
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5/28/2018 - krhaugh Likes this wine: 93 Points
Decanted 2+ hours. Paired with Traeger smoked baby backs. Although known for their phenomenal Pinot’s, Cristom’s Syrah is simply amazing. We are so lucky to live close by and be members. If you have the chance, one of the best in the Willamette Valley and the price point makes Cristom a superstar.
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2/14/2018 - alax_rang wrote:
Quite floral! Ripe black and blue fruits piled on top of green peppercorn and dried dill. For such a ripe year in Willamette, this is still relatively refreshing. Tannins are grainy and refined (classic syrah for me), but presented in a softer, new world style.
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9/12/2017 - melzar wrote: 92 Points
I like Syrah that doesn't exhibit the overt Syrah varietal character (like many northern Rhones). This is such a wine. If tasted blind, I would have guessed young Cote Rotie. Excellent now, but will reach new heights and complexity with bottle age.
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9/4/2017 - civilmatt wrote: 93 Points
Accidentally opened, thought I had grabbed Pinot. Oh well, this was drinking great. Good acidity and soft tannins, deep rich flavor with lavender (?) Notes. Going to try this with some lamb Provencal style. 30-45 minute decant and drank over 2 hours.
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6/30/2017 - RieslingFanatic wrote:
30% whole bunch. White pepper, blackberries and black currants, subtle oak, spicy finish.
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3/14/2017 - ews3 wrote: 91 Points
Two days tasting in Oregon; 3/13/2017-3/14/2017 (Willamette Valley, OR): nice cool climate style. black olive, leafiness. would surprise some that this is new world.
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