WTN: Who's afraid of the 05 ESJ Bassetti?

I seem to remember lots of recent posts about how the 2005 ESJ Bassetti Syrah is still extremely young, difficult, and needs lots more cellar time. Well I've had two bottles in recent weeks and both were dark, plush, rich, vibrant and almost velvety wines, with nothing difficult about them. Delightful delightful times. Even without air they showed well.

Now I'm sure there is lots more evolution ahead and I plan to save the rest of my bottles for as long as I can resist, but that's just a matter of taste preferences as I would be hard pressed to say it objectively needs more age. No fierce tannins, acids, or disjointedness as can happen with an in-between stage Wylie-Fenaughty. Any other recent experiences?

That said, a recent bottle of the 03 Bassetti was pruney and not fun. I'm hoping that is a stage (or a bad bottle), but that doesn't seem likely?

[David M. Bueker]

I seem to recall that all the '03 ESJs we had at Gilman's were a bit on the ripe/overripe/atypical ESJ side.

Thanks for reminding me. That doesn't sound good.

Nonetheless, another bottle of the 03 Bassetti tonight had no prunes whatsoever. Deep firm dark fruit and plenty of structure. Deliciously brooding over its future.

Just for the record.

[David M. Bueker]

The wine always has the last word.

Thanks for the note Rahsaan. I have half a dozen of the '05 Bassettis that I haven't touched yet. Seems that I need to give one a try here near term.

Thanks for the note Rahsaan. I have half a dozen of the '05 Bassettis that I haven't touched yet. Seems that I need to give one a try here near term.

Depends on how you like to drink the wine.

Certainly no harm in waiting if you have plenty of other stuff to drink.