Russian River Valley Syrah

Monthly WTF wine group meet up. This month is new world vs old world Rhône’s. All wines tasted blind. 3 flights.

This was one of my contributions and it may have been due to the comparative style of the night, but this was more ripe than I expected. Many called this Aussie Shiraz. I decanted for about 2hrs by the time this was enjoyed and it was open for business. Ripe blue and black fruit, oak, and a hint of savory notes (sage, charcoal). To its credit, there was a nice lift on the mid palate that gave this a lighter than expected feel.

From a 3-liter bottle it is drinking wonderfully. Bright blackberry, violet, licorice and faint black pepper. Soft tannins, long finish and terrifically satisfying

Velvety, with a great amount of Up front fruit and tones of earthiness.

50/50 Spring MTN & Coombsville.

So good for the $$. Good weight, black and blue fruits.

Big, meaty, reduced, classic Syrah. Needs 5+ years

Andy should be lauded & praised. He's a bloody genius.

My search for CA Syrah left me unsatisfied tonight. Decanted for 2hrs. This feels out of balance to me. It's young, yes. But it's overly acidic with weak tannin and lots of heat. The nose is pretty but it's overly angular on the palette. Maybe a few years in the cellar will help?

Dark rich fruit. Lovely Sonoma Syrah

Rich dark fruit..elegant Syrah!