2004 Lillian Syrah Santa Barbara
Market price
Buying options
Tasting notes
The debut vintage from Maggie Harrison who learned her trade from her time with Manfred Krankl of Sine Qua Non, the wine offers coffee, blackberry and smoke filled cherry jam aromas in the perfume. On the palate, the wine is medium bodied, refined and elegant in style. At 15.4% ABV, there is no sensation of heat. This Syrah is drinking perfectly now. I would not age it further as there is little to gain and more to lose.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Robert Parker
More reviews and scores
Formerly an apprentice winemaker for Elaine and Manfred Krankl’s Sine Qua Non winery, Maggie Harrison has fashioned a superb 2004 Syrah. It boasts a dark ruby/purple color as well as beautiful aromas of black fruits, licorice, spice, pepper, and flowers. The expansive texture sails smoothly over the palate with elegance yet authority. This medium to full-bodied Syrah offers copious flavors of blueberries, blackberries, and black currants. Accessible now, it should evolve nicely for a decade. www.lillianwinery.com
This micro-cuvee of slightly less than 600 cases is the debut release for Maggie Harrison, who has worked for eight years as the assistant winemaker at Sine Qua Non. She has obviously had terrific training as evidenced by this effort. This dense ruby/purple-colored, medium to full-bodied, beautifully poised Syrah offers elegant floral, blueberry, and blackberry scents nicely touched by subtle wood notes. With good underlying acidity, a savory mouthfeel, and impressive purity, concentration, and harmony, it should age gracefully for 7-8 years. Tel. (805) 451-0918