96 2012 Carlisle Papa's Block Syrah (Russian River Valley) 2/9/18 ($45)
100% Syrah 15.1% alc 430cases
Color: Veep deep ruby garnet. (3.5) Bouquet: Concentrated sweet blackberries complemented by subtle dried herbs and a hint of ashes. (3.5) Body: Heavyweight with outstanding fruit, excellent acidity and smooth tannins. Tangy, very viscous mouthfeel. (3.5) Flavor: Parallels bouquet, but even more amazing. Concentration with some elegance. (3.5) Finish: Parallels flavor, long and delicious. (3.5)
Overall: This has classic, wonderfully delicious Papa's Block herbal-infused fruit with all of the balance and silkiness that one would expect from a top notch red from the Russian River. Its combination of concentration and silkiness are impressive. Not quite as racy as the '13 Sonoma County (54% Papa's Block fruit) , but surpasses it with very distinctive and concentrated fruit and other unique secondary nuances. To put it bluntly, this is one of the greatest Syrahs made in the world, but with unmistakable CA character. Drink now and in the next few years. (17.5)
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