2005 Syrah

 I have always enjoyed the elegant, French-styled Syrahs from this winery, and this 2005 appears to be the finest they have yet produced. A beautiful deep ruby/purple hue is accompanied by aromas of blueberries, black raspberries, spice, and ground pepper. Displaying a seamless integration of acidity, alcohol, tannin, and wood, winemaker/proprietor Steve Lagier has fashioned a brilliant Syrah offering substance and style. With full body, superb balance, a silky texture, and a fascinating mouthfeel, it can be drunk now as well as over the next 7 - 8 years.

Enticing floral, jasmine, wild berry and blueberry scents fold over on the palate, giving this sleek, focused youngster a tight beam of fruit and a touch of sage and game meat. The tannins are ripe and integrated. Drink now through 2013.

This vintage from Stephen Lagier and Carole Meredith’s vineyard on Mount Veeder is fuller and deeper in tone than the previous two. It needs several hours in a decanter to spread beyond the confines of new oak and ripe fruit, yielding brighter crushed peppercorn scents. Cellar and then serve it with roast boar.