93 2011 Dehlinger Altamont Syrah (Russian River Valley) 10/19/18 ($45)
14.8% alc
Color: Deep black cherry to ruby. (3.0) Bouquet: Expressive black and red raspberries and black cherry complemented by exotic Indian spices, lavender, subtle coffee beans and white pepper. Delicious and complex. (3.5) Body: Light heavyweight with outstanding acidity, excellent fruit purity and smooth tannins. Tangy mouthfeel that coats with some astringency. (3.0) Flavor: Parallels bouquet. (3.5) Finish: My favorite part, being very long and aromatic. Also shows black licorice on top of everything else. (3.5)
Overall: An outstanding cool climate Syrah with complexity very similar to what you would expect from a fine Northern Rhone. The black and red raspberries, black licorice, lavender, white pepper and Indian spices are all particularly distinctive. Impressive. Very attractive now, but could improve in the next 2-4 years. (16.5)
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