2008 Melville Syrah Verna's Vineyard
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Tasting notes
Inky ruby. High-pitched aromas of dark berries, licorice and olive lifted by cracked pepper and floral nuances. Then dense and sweet but suave, with very good energy and lift to the slightly high-toned flavors of black raspberry, candied violet and licorice. Firm acidity adds focus and cut to a long, spicy, sweet finish. This is a superb basic syrah.
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Robert Parker
Josh Raynolds
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The compelling 2008 Syrah Verna’s Vineyard Estate reveals lots of northern Rhone-like bacon fat and meaty characteristics interwoven with garrigue, sweet blackberry, and jus de viande notes. The super-complex aromatics are followed by full-bodied flavors. There is not a hard edge to be found in this both intellectually and hedonistically satisfying wine. It should drink nicely for 5-7 years. This sensational Santa Rita Hills estate owned by the Melville family continues to turn out gorgeous wines that are made and looked after by Greg Brewer of the Brewer-Clifton winery. The prices are absurdly fair for such quality. Tel. (805) 735-7030; Fax (805) 735-5310