Tuesday, September 8, 2009

M. Cosentino Syrah 2003 California


Bottled by Crystal Valley Cellars in Yountville and blended from several different Syrahs from the area, this deep red gives up aromas of cassis, black currant, and dark berries.

Flavors are full and complex, with exotic fruits like figs which make a great first impression on the palate. What follows is a gauntlet of teasers to the senses: chalky notes on the front of the palate, then chocolate, and blueberry pie and even a bit of crenshaw melon (odd for a red wine, but it works for me) and black pepper hidden in the finish on the upper palate. A really great wine for the dollar ($16-19), it is full of spices, but not over the top. This is a winner in my book.

Winemaker Tasting notes from the 2005 vintage
Côtes du Rhône-style, this Syrah is a blend from the Mandeville Island Vineyard and two proven Northern Lodi area vineyards– Kirschenmann and Knoll Vineyards in the Victor and Lockeford areas, respectively.Fermented and aged in a combination of oak barrels; French, American and European, for 18 months. Minerals, black fruits, red meat and spice begin in the nose with focused and intense flavors that evoke elements of currant, rhubarb and other black fruits.

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