90 2003 Ridge Lytton West Syrah (Dry Creek Valley) 9/9/12 ($32)
91% Syrah, 9% Viognier 14.8% alc
Color: Deep black garnet, no clearing. (3.0) Bouquet: Baking spices and American oak complement concentrated blackberries with brown sugar. (3.0) Body: Excellent fruit and very good acidity. Rich viscous mouthfeel. Light heavyweight. (3.0) Flavor: Parallels bouquet with more distinctive berry flavors and a subtle coffee/mocha nuance. (3.0) Finish: Not as intense as the flavor with smooth tannins. (3.0)
Overall: A rich, fruity, warm climate Syrah with concentrated blackberry jam complemented by baking spices and some American oak. Also shows dusty Dry Creek Valley character. I last had this 6 years ago. It has smoothed out nicely with plenty of life left to age it another 5+ years. Very tasty for now and later drinking, but its ripeness and lack of complexity make me suspect that it will not improve. (15.0)
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