Also cracked last night:
1. Carlisle Syrah Rosella'sVnyd/SantaLuciaHills (14.7%; 175 cs) SantaRosa 2008: Very dark/black color w/ no bricking; very strong blackberry/boysenberry/Syrah/classic SLH Syrah/grapefruity strong toasty/smokey/Fr.oak bit petrol/valve oil classic SLH Syrah fairly complex nose; lightly tart/grapefruity/citrusy intense blackberry/boysenberry/spicy/ripe Syrah some c-c/black pepper some toasty/Fr.oak fairly complex classic SLH Syrah flavor w/ light gentle tannins; very long/lingering strong blackberry/boysenberry/Syrah/very spicy bit c-c/peppery bit grapefruity fairly complex finish w/ light tannins; a classic Rosella's Syrah probably in a perfect place right now w/ tannins pretty fully resolved; fully mature but plenty of Syrah fruit remaining.
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2. Carlisle Syrah Papa'sBlock/AtoosaVnyd/RRV (15.1%; 215 cs) 2008: Very dark color w/ slight bricking; intense blackberry/boysenberry/Syrah very c-c/black pepper/very spicy light toasty/oak some pungent/smokey beautiful complex youthful nose; lightly tart strong c-c/black pepper/RRV Syrah very strong blackberry/boysenberry/ripe Syrah light toasty/Fr.oak beautiful flavor w/ light smooth tannins; very long/lingering intense blackberry/very spicy Syrah strong c-c/black pepper fairly complex finish w/ light tannins; a beautiful example of a fully mature RRV Syrah; probably in a perfect place right now.
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And a wee BloodyPulpit:
1. Both of these Syrahs were just beautiful. Probably as mature as they can get w/ tannins pretty much fully resolved. I slightly preferred the Papa's for its more classic Syrah profile.
Tom