2015 Long Shadows Sequel Syrah
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Tasting notes
Bright ruby-red. A real cornucopia of Syrah scents on the nose, among them dark fruits, game, smoke, nuts and iodiney minerality. Then tighter and less expressive in the mouth than the nose suggests, and a bit less wild as well, but already conveys a refined texture and harmonious acidity to its dark fruit and mineral flavors. This firmly structured Syrah finishes with impressive mounting length, the tannins spreading out to dust the entire mouth. (14.8% alcohol)
Critic scores
Average Score
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
Jeb Dunnuck
More reviews and scores
The 2015 Syrah Sequel (which includes 7% Cabernet Sauvignon) unfurls in the glass with notes of sweet cassis and black fruit that mingle with notions of rich grilled meats and toasty oak that's better integrated than in the 2014 Vintage Select Bin 898, which is also reviewed in this report. On the palate, it's full-bodied, deep and powerful, with a sweet core of fruit and a chewy chassis of fine-grained tannins that are going to require a few years' bottle age.
Incorporating 7% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2015 Syrah Sequel wasn’t destemmed and spent 18 months in 65% new French oak. Its inky purple color is followed by a huge nose of blackberry liqueur, espresso roast, scorched earth, and dark chocolate. This is followed by a full-bodied, beautiful Syrah that has remarkable freshness and purity, fine tannin, and a great, great finish. It's always a pedal-to-the-metal effort, yet the 2015 stays beautifully fresh and lively on the palate. This is certainly one of the finest vintages to date. Another estate that’s been on a roll lately is Alan Shoup’s Long Shadow Vintners, with the wines made/managed by the incredibly talented Gilles Nicault.