Having had the 2006 just a few days prior to this, it was surprising how much younger and tighter this was. It does seem like there was a bit of a style shift starting in 2007 and rather than the wines really opening up at age 5, it is now closer to 10. This one took a few hours to really open and then was singing if still on the youthful side. Inky purple in color. The nose has black raspberries, roasted herbs, gamey meat, and white pepper. Interesting and intoxicating. On the palate, this has a wonderful texture. Black raspberry fruit. Deep and tightly layered it just keeps unwinding and gaining size in the glass. Long finish. Works with some food although it is a big wine. No sign of heat but this does have a lot of alcohol so plan accordingly. Truly a great wine. It should continue to improve for a few years and then stay there for another decade or two. 15.8% Alcohol. 70% Syrah and 30% Mourvedre.
