Truchard Syrah 2001
~$16US 100% Syrah, Carneros, Napa Valley
DECANT DECANT DECANT. I am quickly learning that the wine-enjoyment meter goes way up with patience and decanting. Case in point, this Carneros Syrah had 6 years of bottle age, and for a Cali wine, I though It would be a pop-n-pour. I did, and while it was promising, it had nowhere near the complexity, integration, balance, and drinkability that it had after 3 hours in the decanter. Deep ruby. Nose of blackberries, black pepper and blueberries. Just enough oak to play a part in the overall harmony. On the palate (after decanting), JUICY and lush berries, appetizing, warm-hearted. A pinch of cigar-box cedar and tobacco. Fine tannins make the transition to the from attack through finish purposeful, from juicy to dry. This wine shows the integration and mouthfeel of a much more expensive wine - and really has panache to make this a great value, compared to equally priced bizzombs from Oz (which have a time and a place all their own).
A very well made wine - what Cali syrah-gentsia should use as a benchmark for quality and price. In a perfect world, wines like this (QPR) should be available in every local wine-shop. Just decant it please!!!
You a nerd and that’s why I love you, Jon.
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