2005 Syrah Russian River Valley

Aromas of black fruits, tapenade, ground pepper, and spice box emerge from the 2005 Syrah Russian River (1,400 cases). There is some herbaceousness underneath the fruit, but the wine is full-bodied, rich, complex, and comes across like a Crozes-Hermitage on steroids. Drink it over the next 5-6 years. As I said last year, DuMol is one of my favorite wineries, primarily because of the passion and commitment to quality of owner Kerry Murphy and his winemaker, Andy Smith. Previously recommended: 2003 Chardonnay Chloe (94+), 2003 Chardonnay Isobel (94), 2003 Pinot Noir Finn (93), 2003 Pinot Noir Ryan (90+), 2003 Syrah Eddie’s Patch (95). Tel. (925) 254-8922; Fax (925) 254-8942