92+ 2008 Carlisle Papa's Block Syrah (Russian River Valley) 1/27/18 ($45)
100% Syrah 15.1% alc
Color: Veep deep ruby garnet. (3.5) Bouquet: Incense and Christmas tree spice mix with blackberry licorice and black olive fruit. (3.5) Body: Heavyweight with excellent fruit, acidity and balance. Viscous mouthfeel, but not heavy on the palate. (3.0) Flavor: Parallels bouquet, but a bit less expressive. (3.0) Finish: Intense anise and other interesting spices linger here with intensity, intertwining with the mature fruit. (3.5)
Overall: This is mature Syrah that's all about the herbs. Incense, anise and black olive are most prevalent with blackberry licorice fruit just meeting. Still drinking very well, but a little more tannic structure and acidity to support and propel the fruit would be even better. This drank significantly better as a young wine, so a note of caution to not sit on Papa's block too long. (16.5)
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