California Syrah

Oh Lillian! I would marry you!!! Just so lithe and elegant a beauty that I’m sure was full beast at birth. Wonderful.

The best Lillian I have had. Pop and pour, this was singing right out the gate. Everything has come into balance. The exuberant fruit of its youth has mellowed. The tannins wonderfully integrated.

I've been having some rather inconsistent experiences with Lillian lately, but this 05 is at the top of its game. Black as night with a ruby rim. Wonderful, expressive nose. Dark berry fruits, sweet cassis and baking spices. Silky mouth feel. Big, bold and voluptuous. Long, lingering finish. Simply fabulous.

Benchmark Syrah. V-12 firing on all cylinders. Black label.

This is the '05 so-called "Blue Label" which isn't very blue, but I digress. I was a little rough on the last Lillian I opened, which I believe was the '06 regular bottling. It was a might underwhelming. This bottle has more highs than lows. Inky black color. Swirl the wine and you can't count the legs in the glass. Absolute knockout nose of licorice, spice and Dr Pepper. Best part of the experience for me. SO inviting. The downside is that the fruit is a little muted. Still some black fruit essence, however. And a bit hot on the finish. I guess I would still say it's best days are in the rear view mirror, but I'll hang on to a few to revisit somewhere down the road. Apologies to @Bill Bender for the absence of breasts in the photo.

Still vibrant at ten years old. Figs, pepper blueberry. A little bramble.

Never disappointed by Maggie's wines. Big, bold and voluptuous. 05 is one of my favorite vintages.

Jacks 3rd Birthday

Drinking really well. Seductive nose. Love the way these Lillian's are aging.

Still my fave of the regular Lillian bottlings.