Hard to believe that a 16 year old California Syrah could taste so youthful, but this bottle was bought on release and well stored. 82% Syrah, 13% Mourvedre, and 5% Grenache. 15.7% abv. Inky purple in color, opaque and bright. The nose has black raspberries, roasted meat, roasted red peppers, white pepper and slight char. Full bodied. Well balanced. Great texture. Powerful yet agile, it is both huge and deft at the same time. On the palate, this is delicious. Medium tannins. Loads of black raspberry fruit with some minerality, white pepper and char. Long finish. Tasting thru the 2000 thru 2007 vintages, this was in everyone's top three although we all agreed that given a few more years, this would be the best wine of the group without doubt. No doubt this gets a 99 or maybe a 100 points in a few more years. Drink over the next fifteen to twenty years. Great on its own, this would be a nice wine with a standing rib roast.
