Walker Vine Hill Syrah

2005 Vintage.14.8% Alcohol. Need to open with an Ah So type opener, not a corkscrew as the corks have become brittle over time. Thank goodness for the thick bright blue wax seal as it likely saved this bottle from being corked.

Meaty blackberries. Love old Pax.

The nose started very heavy with bacon, spices, and lush fruit. As it opened up there was more leather and tobacco notes as well as other aged characteristics. Very busy on the front pallet, lots of dark fruit. Strong acidity well balanced by the tannin. Middle and back pallet fall a little short.

Better than expected.

#HospiceduRhone Paso "Rhone Exchange" dinner.

Yumm.

Great with a good steak. Very earthy

Blackberries, coffee, this one's a bruiser at 14.8% abv, but well-balanced and probably would have gone another 10 years (or more?) in the cellar. Shy at first, this wine took a full 24 hours to open up. A real beauty.

Consistently our favorite. Black fruit. Softening tannins. Full bodied.

So awesome. Licorice nose. Olive and mushroom. 92 points.