2012 Sur Echalas Vineyard Syrah
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Tasting notes
Dark ruby. Black raspberry, cassis, smoked meat, white pepper, lavender and brown spices on the nose; very aromatic Syrah in a Côte Blonde style. Dense, savory, superconcentrated dark fruit and meat flavors unsullied by new oak. Wonderfully supple, balanced wine but not yet forthcoming. Finishes with big but very suave tannins. This needs some time in the cellar to express its underlying fruit.
Critic scores
Average Score
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
Jeb Dunnuck, Wine Advocate
More reviews and scores
Another wine I was able to taste multiple times, the 2012 Syrah Sur Echalas Vineyard is the most voluptuous, sexy and textured of the lineup. Giving up classic, Old World Syrah notes of blackcurrants, black olives, smoked meats, ground pepper and violets, this beauty hits the palate with full-bodied richness and is gorgeous, concentrated and expansiveness on the palate, with plenty of of mid-palate depth and length. The tannin becomes more and more apparent with time in the glass. This needs 3-4 years to round into form, and will keep for 15-20 years. As with all of these 2012s, decant if drinking anytime soon.