2005 Big Basin Syrah Mandala

While tasting the above ‘07s, a friend brought this over and it was a lot of fun to get to taste this side by side with the ’07 Mandala. While the ’07 seemed to be a touch softer with a rounder profile, I wasn’t sure if that was an actual difference in the wine or simply a difference due to bottle age. Either way, I’m a huge fan of this estate’s ‘05s, this bottle was no exception. Sporting gorgeous aromatics of smoked meat, bacon, graphite and decadent blackberry and cassis fruit, this is still a baby and shows a textured, balanced, medium to full bodied palate. This should evolve for another 2 to 3 years and drink well over the following 10+. Highly recommended and by the end of the evening, I still couldn’t decide if I liked the ’05 or ’07 more.