2008 Rotie Cellars Northern Blend

With more fruit than the ’09, and possibly even better than the ’07, the 2008 Rôtie Cellars Northern Blend is a blend of 97% Syrah that co-fermented with 3% Viognier. The wine sports a deep purple color to go with top notch aromas of blackberries, leafy tobacco, violets, and smoked meats on the nose. While there’s plenty of fruit, this also has solid complexity and picks up a subtle tapenade and black pepper streak with additional airtime. Very pure on the nose, it’s medium to full bodied on the palate with a round, fleshy texture, good density through the mid-palate, and a long finish. I think this will be more interesting in a year or two, and should have a conservative 8-10 year drink window.