Ventana Vineyards Syrah

Caught this one at its peak. I didn’t think the Ventana Vineyards could be as good as the pre-2000 Paso Robles Syrah, but this one is. Bold, fantastic balance of fruit, spice, acidity and tannins.

Winemaker's comment: Deep & dark. Classic Syrah bouquet w/ bright, spicy flavors. Rich & complex. Fine finish. Unfined & unfiltered.

What a difference a year makes - the 2003 was spectacular, the 2002 seems on its way out. Not bad, just lackluster by comparison. Drink up, it didn’t improve over the past two years.

Winemaker’s Comment: Smokey, bright, fruity bouquet. Spicy flavors, rich, supple, complex and balanced long, fine finish. Unfined / unfiltered. Bottled May 5, 2004.

Quite powerful fruit and acidity. Aged well, lots of sediment required decanting. Some funk on the first night, gone on the second. Good, but not as good as the Paso Robles Syrah of previous years.

Winemaker's comment: Deep & dark. Classic Syrah bouquet w/ bright, spicy flavors. Rich & complex, fine finish. Unfined/unfiltered. Bottled May 2004.

Another score from Ahlgren's library sale. Aged beautifully, well rounded, dry, solid acidity. Fun fact: I realized post-purchase that I had this wine before, 10 years ago, and saved the label because I liked it a lot. Winemaker's comment: deep, warm, rich smokey & chocolate bouquet. Ripe, fruity flavors. Balanced. Mouthfilling. Unfined and unfiltered. Bottled March 2002.