2017 John Lewis Reserve Syrah
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Tasting notes
An impressive success, the 2017 Syrah John Lewis begins as a subtle tsunami of flavors, starting with a delicate stemmy note, compounded by black pepper essence, spiced cherry and plum compote before wafting with aromas of dusty black raspberries with sprinkles of cinnamon and baking spices. Medium-bodied, the wine explodes in a kaleidoscope of red-fruited flavors with a spicy, mineral tension that somehow seems to compact itself before gaining in intensity and complexity across the mid-palate. Flavors of black pepper and raspberry crème brûlée finish in waves of elegance on the long, lingering finish. An amazing example of Les Collines Vineyard Syrah, battle-tested to be a juggernaut that continues to deliver pleasure to the palate for more than a minute. I am smitten with this amazing juice!
Critic scores
Average Score
Alistair Cooper MW, jancisrobinson.com
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The flagship release, the 2017 Syrah John Lewis comes mostly from the Les Collines Vineyard yet includes a small amount of fruit from the Red Willow Vineyard. A blend of 97% Syrah and 3% Viognier that saw minimal destemming and spent 17 months in 10% new French oak, it reveals a medium translucent ruby/plum color as well as complex notes of mulberries, blackberries, ground pepper, stems, spring flowers, and hints of chocolate. Medium-bodied and elegant on the palate, with bright acidity and a more streamlined texture, I suspect it's going to put on weight with time in bottle, yet it nevertheless could use more flesh and texture.
Quite northern Rhône on the nose, slightly lactic and violet with a hint of gravelly graphite. Attractive bright palate with good freshness and soft and rounded tannins, the acidity just stands apart a little here at the top of the mouth. (AC)
Bright, deep red. Complex, varietally expressive aromas of raspberry, spices, peppery herbs, licorice and olive tapenade. Very concentrated, dense and fine-grained, with its dark berry, floral and herbal flavors energized by a black-peppery high note. This suave wine mounts slowly and expands on the back end, finishing with smooth tannins but also pungent peppery lift. A bit more pliant than the Les Collines Syrah but still a bit youthfully clenched. (13% alcohol)