2004 Radio-Coteau Syrah Cherry Camp
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The first vintage for this cuvee (the vineyard use to be a cherry orchard and a camp for works), the 2004 Radio-Coteau Syrah Cherry Camp, from a very late ripening terroir, just hints at maturity with beautiful blackberry and black cherry fruit, underlying wild herbs, ground pepper, and assorted meaty nuances that carry into a textured, balanced, and medium-bodied palate. Still showing plenty of freshness and drinking beautifully, this should continue to evolve gracefully for another decade.
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Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
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The 2004 Syrah Cherry Camp (a cooler site in the Freestone Valley) also displays a dense ruby/purple hue as well as more structure, and cooler black fruit flavors mixed with hints of bay leaf, pepper, and spice. Rich, pure, and impressive, but more backward and less evolved than the Timbervine, it should drink well for 7-10 years. Previously recommended: 2003 Pinot Noir La Neblina (88), 2003 Pinot Noir Savoy (87), 2003 Syrah Timbervine (90+), 2003 Zinfandel Von Weidlich (90). Tel. (707) 887-8335; Fax (801) 340-6041
(15% alcohol; from a vineyard on the western fringe of Sonoma County, above Occidental) Sussman noted that these vines were harvested on October 4 in 2004 and on November 1 in 2005. Very good bright ruby. Brooding, deep nose offers blackberry, licorice, maple syrup and sweet oak. Wonderfully broad, sweet and rich, with creamy blackberry and blueberry flavors that are fully ripe but not at all cooked. Impressively chewy syrah, finishing with sweet tannins and excellent length. A new syrah bottling to follow.