2012 Syrah Queen of Diamonds
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Tasting notes
The 2012 Syrah Queen of Diamonds is a completely different animal with aromas of roasted meats intermixed with a hint of tapenade and a juicy, more front end-loaded fruit style. Medium-bodied and soft, this authentic Syrah traverses the line between a Northern Rhône and a riper California style. With good acidity as well as a spicy, peppery personality, it should drink nicely for 5-8 years.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Deep red. Captivating aromas of cassis, minerals, brown spices and flowers complicated by pepper and smoked meat; reminded me of a northern Rhone wine. Highly concentrated, bright and savory, showing more satisfying acidity today than the cabernet. Finishes with serious ripe tannins and excellent length. Superb potential here. My tasting this March with Fred and Mary Constant and their winemaker Paul Hobbs was bittersweet, as Fred was obviously quite ill (he lost his fight with cancer two weeks later) but was proud to show his latest set of wines. Indeed, 2011 and 2012 are the best back-to-back pair of vintages I have tasted to date from this estate.