92+ 2009 Eric Kent Kalen's Big Boy Blend Syrah 2/18/12 ($40)
100% Syrah, from Ray Teldeschi's Ranch in Dry Creek Valley and Greywacke Vineyard in Russian River Valley, 15.1% alc 220 cases
Color: Black purple ruby, dense. (3.5) Bouquet: Freshly crushed blackberries and coffee beans with some cedar and acidity to keep it lively. Smooth. (3.5) Body: Heavyweight with outstanding fruit and excellent acidity. Silky, lively mouthfeel. (3.0) Flavor: Parallels bouquet. Delicious! (3.5) Finish: Long fruit and acidity, but cedar is more prominent here giving it a slight bitterness. Also some youthful astringency. Black pepper spicy. (3.0)
Overall: Delicious and quite drinkable now with all those crushed blackberries. The coffee bean flavors make it interesting as well. Has enough supporting acidity and tannin to enable it to improve in the next 5 years. (16.5)
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