2006 Syzygy Syrah WWV
I can't believe that I don't buy more Syzygy. Everytime one is poured down my gullet it makes me smile. This wine was no exception. I was a little nervous at first as the color was deep, dark purple and that usually means blueberry pie for WA State syrah. Not the case here, as crushed blackberries, currants, and subtle hints of asphalt. Big in the mouth, gushing layers of concentrated dark fruit, acid, and a little bit of sticky tannins. Hefty finish leads me to think this wine will improve with short term cellaring but plenty tasty now, so why wait? Terrific QPR as well. 92pts.
2001 Barons V Cabernet
First vintage of this cab and it seems a bit long in the proverbial tooth. I had enjoyed this upon release four years ago but I was also more tolerant of oak back in the "young" wine consumer days. More red than blue accented with garnet edges, this wine did have some of the typical cab aromas--currants and plums--but also possessed a smell of declining wood. Harsh and astringent on the palate, leaving the decent core of fruit in the dust. The fruit was just no match for the oak and tannin still present. Hopefully, my bottles of the 02, 03, and 04 will fair better. 84pts.
2004 Buty Beast Cabernet of the Stones
Popped and let sit for about an hour. This cab from Buty was made from grapes from Cayuse's Cailloux Vineyard, hence the name "Cabernet of the Stones." Surprisingly medium-bodied with aromas or kirsch liqueur, roasted plums, violets, and herbs de provence. Supple tannins and well integrated oak defer to the simple, but lush fruit as this wine goes down easy. I didn't remember this wine being so elegant and feminine from the previous two bottles comsumed. Time has morphed this wine into a wine drinking pleasure. Tuesday night has never been so good! 92pts.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Thursday, September 10, 2009
TN: Two K Vintners and a Frenchie
Sorry it has been so long since my last post. I won't delude myself into thinking you care why it has been so long...so...on to the wines!
2004 Chateau Leoville Barton
Was excited to give this wine a go as I've dubbed 2004 my vintage of the century (the only bordeaux vintage I can afford!). Actually thought this was a bit corked/off at first as it gave off a distinct aroma of must. That eventually blew off after ten minutes or so and left plums, mocha, and green pepper in its wake. Definite herbal edge that just didn't quite work for me. Distracted me from the nice tight core of currants and black cherries that were quite good. A slightly harsh, tannic finish led me to believe this wine just needs a few more years to settle in before it reveals its elegance. 89pts.
2005 K Vintners The Deal Syrah
This wine took me a bit by surprise. A friend had effused its virtue to me for 6 months before I gave in and drank one with him. I've always had more hits than misses with K Vintners but the misses always seem to lurk more prominent in your mind. Enough babbling from me, on to the wine. Gorgeous deep ruby purple color dominated by whiffs of blackberries and dark cherries on the nose seemingly daring you to snort it. After some seriously concerted swirling, woodsmoke and a distant minerality could be picked up. The palate mirrors the nose with extracted blackberries taking center stage but reigned in by herbs and a little bit of bacon. No real tannins to speak of, just lush streamlined fruit that left a hefty yet delicious finish. 92 pts.
2006 K Vintners The Boy Grenache
Second great bottle in a row from Charles Smith and K Vintners. Tasty bottle of grenache (94% grenache/6% syrah) made from grapes grown in Cayuse's Armada Vineyard which certainly should do Christophe proud. A touch more red than purple in the glass, the first aromas of cherry liqueur, asphalt, and strawberries fill your nose with anticipation. After about ten minutes, some CdP nuances appear. Roasted fruit, chocolate, even some pork. Sweet and lush in the mouth with berry pie and one of Armada's trademarks, underbrush. This wine was a bit more feminine than masculine with silky tannins and an understated, ripe finish. Terrific bottle of wine. 93 pts.
2004 Chateau Leoville Barton
Was excited to give this wine a go as I've dubbed 2004 my vintage of the century (the only bordeaux vintage I can afford!). Actually thought this was a bit corked/off at first as it gave off a distinct aroma of must. That eventually blew off after ten minutes or so and left plums, mocha, and green pepper in its wake. Definite herbal edge that just didn't quite work for me. Distracted me from the nice tight core of currants and black cherries that were quite good. A slightly harsh, tannic finish led me to believe this wine just needs a few more years to settle in before it reveals its elegance. 89pts.
2005 K Vintners The Deal Syrah
This wine took me a bit by surprise. A friend had effused its virtue to me for 6 months before I gave in and drank one with him. I've always had more hits than misses with K Vintners but the misses always seem to lurk more prominent in your mind. Enough babbling from me, on to the wine. Gorgeous deep ruby purple color dominated by whiffs of blackberries and dark cherries on the nose seemingly daring you to snort it. After some seriously concerted swirling, woodsmoke and a distant minerality could be picked up. The palate mirrors the nose with extracted blackberries taking center stage but reigned in by herbs and a little bit of bacon. No real tannins to speak of, just lush streamlined fruit that left a hefty yet delicious finish. 92 pts.
2006 K Vintners The Boy Grenache
Second great bottle in a row from Charles Smith and K Vintners. Tasty bottle of grenache (94% grenache/6% syrah) made from grapes grown in Cayuse's Armada Vineyard which certainly should do Christophe proud. A touch more red than purple in the glass, the first aromas of cherry liqueur, asphalt, and strawberries fill your nose with anticipation. After about ten minutes, some CdP nuances appear. Roasted fruit, chocolate, even some pork. Sweet and lush in the mouth with berry pie and one of Armada's trademarks, underbrush. This wine was a bit more feminine than masculine with silky tannins and an understated, ripe finish. Terrific bottle of wine. 93 pts.
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