Found this last weekend at CellarRat in KC, so cracked it:
1. Vermeil Syrah LibrarySelection FredianiVnyd/NapaVlly (15.3%; www.VermeilWines.com) OnTheEdge/StHelena 2004: Very dark color; strong blackberry/Syrah slight spicy/licorice light toasty/Fr.oak bit simple nose; rather tannic/hard some blackberry/Syrah light toasty/oak bit licorice/pungent rather lean/hard/tight flavor; med.long blackberry/Syrah somewhat tannic/hard light toasty/oak finish; a rather simple/tight/hard Syrah and a bit pricey at $29.00
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A wee BloodyPulpit:
1. Another name/celebrity wine. DickVermeil was a football coach of some repute. Even I recognize the name. His winemaker is PaulSmith, whose wife is co-owner of FredianiVnyd up near Calistoga. Vermeil was born in Calistoga, so has NapaVlly roots, to which this marks a return, I gather.
This Syrah is pretty unremarkable and on the simple side. It's rather tight & hard on the palate and may develop with a few yrs, but I'm not inclined to gamble on another one. Not unpleasant or anything....just doesn't have anything special to say to me.
Tom
