Syrah gets no respect. Retailers have trouble selling it and consumers don't often appreciate it. Tonight, syrah was an amazing food wine and demains respect!
2004 Alban Vineyards Syrah Reva Alban Estate Vineyard - USA, California, Central Coast, Edna Valley (1/11/2012)
Finished in three way tie for me for WOTN. This wine is seamless. It had a great tar component but was missing some of the baryard that I usually associate his wines with. With that said, John Alban proves once again to be a genius winemaker. 16.7% alcohol and you would never know it. This wine is brawny with lots of cocoa and mocha intermingled with red raspberry, some cherry and blue berry fruit. This wine was unpredictable and beautiful. Syrah remains the Rodney Dangerfield of varietals but this syrah warrants respect. (95 pts.)
2005 Saxum Syrah Booker Vineyard - USA, California, Central Coast, Paso Robles (1/11/2012)
In a three way tie for WOTN for me. Coffee and mocha on the nose and on entry. Smooth, delicious rich fruit. No apparent heat. Mostly black fruits on the palate. Fabulous wine and ready to go. Not sure if time will help this one. It was delish! (95 pts.)
2008 Paul Lato Syrah Cinematique Larner Vineyard - USA, California, Central Coast, Santa Ynez Valley (1/11/2012)
Tied for WOTN. Youngest of all wines tasted in the night and by far, showed the best purity of fruit. The ingredients are there for greatness. Blueberry and raspberry compote ooze down the throat without being cloying. Very young and patience will be rewarded with long-term cellaring. No major heat. Great balance. This wine is destined for greatness as is this winemaker. (95 pts.)
2005 Lucia Syrah Susan's Hill - USA, California, Central Coast, Santa Lucia Highlands (1/11/2012)
Dark brooding color. Wowsa, great entry with rich and chewy fruit. Blackberry, raspberry - yum! Thick and full bodied. Quite nice. (93 pts.)
2004 Martinelli Syrah Terra Felice - USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley (1/11/2012)
This wine picked up steam and body as the night wore on. At first it was one dimensional and then blossomed. Primarily blue and red fruit with a solid tannic backbone. At first, there was noticeable heat but after a while turned sweet with less alcohol. This wine is a great example of not jumping to conclusions after an intial taste. (92 pts.)
2006 Ramey Syrah Rodger's Creek Vineyard - USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Coast (1/11/2012)
Great fruit profile of red cherry, cranberry with some baking spice. Nice funky barnayrd that complimented and didn't overwhelm the fruit. A hint of mint which was interesting. Wine had nice outhfeel with smooth, sweet and dusty finish. (92 pts.)
2005 Martinelli Syrah Hop Barn Hill - USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley (1/11/2012)
My least favorite of the tasting but I was in the minority. Port-like, hot on finish and pruny. (86 pts.)
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