JC Cellars 2003 Rockpile Vineyard Syrah Haley’s Reserve
~$40-50US 100% Syrah, Rockpile AVA, Sonoma, California
16.1% ABV required about 3+ hours for the heat to blow off…
Color: Aubergine
Nose: Very concentrated berry fruits, iodine, iron
Palate: Sappy, explosive fruits, still mineral water, mouth-coating, disciplined oak, tannins deliver solid structure
Finish: Oily, measured in minutes, black licorice
This California Syrah is very expressive and bursting with mountainy, rocky character. Hits the tongue with serious intent - power, volume, weight, sweet, and savory. Much more interesting (to my palate) than the majority of Australian Shiraz’s I have had in the last year. It not only offered fine tannic structure without over-oaking, but brought a whole family of mineral, stone, and medicinal components into the mix in a very compelling way. I could see enjoying this a hearty beef and root vegetable stew, or drinking it on it’s own.