2012 Clonal Selection Syrah

Whereas the Kershaw Chardonnay '12 is a delight, alas, I cannot say the same for the 2012 Clonal Selection Elgin Syrah. Deep garnet in color, the nose is heady and demonstrative, with kirsch and cassis scents, smudged with alcohol. The palate is full-bodied, dense and rich, however, without the finesse to balance it up. As such it feels rather labored and a little anachronistic. It does coalesce after 30 minutes aeration, yet it never catches up with its superior white counterpart. Let's see what future vintages will hold.