2005 Copain Syrah James Berry Vineyard

The 2005 Syrah James Berry Vineyard is sensational, as one might expect from this grand cru site. The wine has fabulous purity of fruit, blackberries and cassis intermixed with licorice, camphor, and a touch of crushed rocks. It is powerful, but at the same time, the cool limestone soils seem to give it an elegance that belies the wine’s weight, richness, and power. Its dense purple color, wonderful, multi-layered mouthfeel, and stunning finish of close to a minute make for a compelling Syrah that should drink beautifully for 10-15 years. Previously recommended: 2004 Syrah Eaglepoint Ranch (92+), 2004 Syrah Garys’ Vineyard (94), 2004 Syrah Hawk’s Butte (92+), 2004 Syrah James Berry Vineyard (96), 2004 Syrah Madder Lake (91), 2004 Syrah Thompson Vineyard (95). Tel. (707) 541-7474; Fax (707) 541-7575