WTN: 2003 Lagier Meredith Syrah

[David M. Bueker]

2003 Lagier Meredith Syrah - USA, California, Napa Valley, Mt. Veeder (6/28/2015)
I am never ready to call a Lagier Meredith Syrah mature, but this is as close as I have ever gotten. Deep berry, soy, earth and warm herbs were all in evidence from the first sniff/sip. On the palate the tannins were gentle and integrated, making the wine very easy to drink. There's still plenty of fruit, so I think the plateau of maturity is going to be quite long. Enjoy. Wait. Entirely up to you.

David, you don't mention acidity and when I had this last night, I found the acidity to be bothersome. It isn't the first time I noticed this in a LM Syrah - the 2009 has had unusually high acidity both times I had it. The 2003 wasn't as noticeable, but, nevertheless, I found it screechy. I've had various other vintages, and haven't come across what I find to be an imbalance like I have in some of these bottles. A 2001 that I had a couple of months ago was gorgeous. It had plenty of acidity but the dark cherry fruit and black olive notes all worked well together. Perhaps bottle variation since your note doesn't mention this.

[David M. Bueker]

Indeed no issues with acidity. Of course we had it next to a new release Dirty & Rowdy Mourvedre, and I am very acid tolerant.

The bothersome acidity was toned down a couple of days later and I really enjoyed the wine. The herbs and fruit danced around in my mouth. Yup, tannins are still present, and this still drinks young, but quite a change from when first opened.