Russian River Valley Syrah

Interesting to taste a Californian Syrah in Australia - a style you don’t often see in bottle shops. I actually bought this bottle in Juuls Wine Shop in Copenhagen several years ago. The wine had a hint of vanilla on nose and palate initially. Earthy with blackberry and herbs - a little sweet (milk chocolate) finishing with silky tannins. Picked from my cellar on the basis of a Thomas Matthews drinking window (2019 to 2024) which is too soon. The winery said 2020 to 2032 which is probably too long. It is definitely an inexact science.

Thought my palette had moved away from this style, but this bottle was superb on day two.

Took about an hour to open up, and once it did, it was a knockout. Continued to improve over three hours until it was gone. Still has substantial tannin and plenty of fruit. Kind of primary really. 15.5% alcohol is well integrated. No hurry to drink these.

Green olives give way to baking spices and black pepper. Giant Syrah. Really good.

Drinking beautifully with candied black fruits truffle and olive tapenade; all the glycerine and seductive fruit of its ripe vintage.

Decanted.

Nicely balanced, but probably two years past its peak. Went nicely with the lamb ragu pasta I made, as well as the dessert chocolate.

Beautiful.

This is a great middle ground between Cali and No Rhone styles. Still has ability to age for 5+ years.

Henrik had this 7 years ago