WTN: 2001 Garretson Syrah "The Aisling" Paso Robles California.

2001 Garretson Syrah "The Aisling" Paso Robles California. 14.2% alcohol; 400 cases. $18.00 in the remainder bin at Endless Vine, Franklin Lakes, NJ. Dark red black color, deep hue; intense very ripe berry aroma with hints of smokey bacon fat, earth and dust, rich berry tastes with smoke, bacon, earth, mushrooms, bit of mocha, a little oaky, light tannis, medium mouth feel, surprisingly short finish with intense berry notes, an impression of sweetness, lacked structure, with very little acidity. I wanted to like it more, frankly. 2*.

Worked very well with a corned beef brisket served with sweet and sour cabbage and whipped parsnips and potatoes.

Simmered the brisket for three hours in stock, after plowing us out, and while enjoying the minor blizzard conditions. The cabbage was served with a dressing made of crumbled bacon, a half cup of the Aisling, a half cup of apple juice, and two tablespoons each of apple cider vinegar, maple syrup and Dijon Mustard (perhaps a bit too much), finished with red pepper to taste.

Bob,
I've only had a few Garretson wines and my impression was that most were made for early consumption. I'm not sure I have enough experience with them to make this more than an impression.
I'd be interested in what others have to say.
Redwinger

Mat posts here, maybe we can draw him out!! I too was surprised by Bob`s notes.

2001 Garretson Syrah "The Aisling" Paso Robles California. 14.2% alcohol; 400 cases. $18.00 in the remainder bin at Endless Vine, Franklin Lakes, NJ. Dark red black color, deep hue; intense very ripe berry aroma with hints of smokey bacon fat, earth and dust, rich berry tastes with smoke, bacon, earth, mushrooms, bit of mocha, a little oaky, light tannis, medium mouth feel, surprisingly short finish with intense berry notes, an impression of sweetness, lacked structure, with very little acidity. I wanted to like it more, frankly. 2*.

Well, you've answered my question (about aging). The wine I had was another Garretson, but seemed like a similar impression 2 years ago:

"Garretson, Syrah, Paso Robles 'Rozet Vineyard', 2001
Also goes by the name of 'Luascain'. The color is a deep purple and very primary. There is a dull nose of camphor and licorice, slightly medicinal. This is a big, thick wine and tough to chew through, but there are camphor-mint, licorice, tough dark cherry, and prune and vanillin on the finish. Quite harsh and reduced in feeling. 14% alcohol. Wonder how this would age? B-B+"

Bob and Mark, Tom Hill had a similar reaction to this wine:

Garretson Syrah Paso Robles "The Aisling" (14.2%; 400 cs) 2001: Dark color; strong waxy/ blackberry/blueberry very ripe/overripe smokey/bacon fat earthy/dusty light toasty/mocha/ oak rather jammy/Aussie nose; very soft/fat ripe/overripe plummy/blackberry/boysenberry/ jammy/Oz-like light toasty/oak/mocha flavor; med.short soft/fat jammy/blackberry/boysen- berry/Syrah light toasty finish w/ light tannins; a SumoWrestler of a Syrah; bit too jummy/ over-the-top for me; lacks acid & structure; bit like a ClosMimi Syrah w/o the attitude; last of the Fralich Syrah. $25.50

http://www.grape-nutz.com/tastings/tomh ... Jan21.html

Just check Cellar Tracker, and I have a bottle each of these still... sounds like it is time to drink them up.....