2004 Jeff Cohn Cellars Syrah Rockpile Vineyard Haley's

Consistently one of my favorite JC Cellars wines is their Syrah Rockpile Vineyard. The 2004, 100% Syrah aged in French oak, boasts an opaque black/purple color as well as a gorgeous nose of blackberry liqueur intermixed with melted licorice, smoked meats, acacia flowers, and a talcum powder-like, stony minerality. Powerful (15.3% alcohol) with superb underlying acidity and layers of richness, this is a blockbuster Syrah that should drink well for a decade. Kudos to Jeff Cohn for another brilliant line-up. Previously recommended: 2003 Cuvee Isabelle Rhodes Vineyard (92), 2003 Petite Syrah Frediani Vineyard (92+), 2003 Syrah Caldwell Vineyard (91), 2003 Syrah California Cuvee (89), 2003 Syrah Fess Parker Vineyard (90), 2003 Syrah Philary Vineyard (90+), 2003 Syrah Rockpile Vineyard Hailey’s Reserve (93+), 2003 Zinfandel Arrowhead Vineyard (92), 2003 Zinfandel Iron Hill Vineyard (94). Tel 510-465-5900; Fax 510-465-5901