2012 Carlisle Syrah James Berry Vineyard
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Another rocking Syrah from this estate, the 2012 Syrah James Berry Vineyard, which was mostly destemmed (80%) and aged 16 months in 27% new French oak, offers a full-boded, decadent profile that carries gorgeous notes of creme de cassis, licorice, toasted spice, white chocolate and spring flowers. Voluptously textured, yet with a rock-solid mid-palate and sweet tannin, drink this beauty anytime over the coming decade.
Critic scores
Average Score
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
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(20% whole clusters, 27% new oak and 15.9% alcohol): Inky purple. Sexy aromas of cassis, cherry compote, roasted coffee and incense. Supple, pliant and deep in black and blue fruit and floral pastille flavors. Becomes spicier and more energetic with air and picks up a smoky nuance that lingers on the long, sweet, intensely spicy finish. I was shocked to see that alcohol number as the wine doesn't betray it at all.
Next to the other Syrahs in this range, the 2012 Syrah James Berry Vineyard, from Justin Smith's vineyard in Paso Robles, comes across as bombastic. A huge, muscular frame houses layers of dark fruit in a Syrah that is all about power, at least today. This is another of the wines in the lineup that is going to need time to settle down and fully come together.