94 2013 Carlisle Syrah (Sonoma County) 2/9/18 ($25)
54% Papa's Block (RRV), 40% Steiner (Sonoma Mtn), 6% Grenache (Rossi-Sonoma V) 15.2% alc 846cases
Color: Deep ruby garnet. (3.0) Bouquet: Crushed blackberries, boysenberries and ruby red grapefruit complemented by subtle smoke, black licorice, brambly bush, bitter chocolate and red chiles. (3.5) Body: Heavyweight with excellent fruit, acidity and smooth tannins. Tangy, silky, viscous mouthfeel. (3.5) Flavor: Parallels bouquet, but more expressive. Delicious! (3.5) Finish: More secondary nuances and less fruit, but still very long and interesting. (3.0)
Overall: What an amazing blend of two fine Syrah vineyards (Papa's from Atoosa being the finer) combined with a little Grenache to make the fruit more sexy. The Papa's Block fruit gives it intense Syrah character and the Steiner adds racy acidity and elegance. What a combination. Terrific for now drinking, but will probably remain this good or even get better in the next 3-4 years. Top notch CA Syrah for $25 - Wow!!! (16.5)
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