2005 Rudius Syrah
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Tasting notes
Deep ruby. Sexy, highly aromatic bouquet of raspberry, blackcurrant, smoked meat, vanilla and Asian spices. Pliant red berry liqueur flavors slowly gain sweetness with air but maintain a fresh, spicy character. Finishes sweet and persistent. This offers admirable clarity and verve for such flavor concentration, not to mention the 15.7% alcohol. This is the label of Jeff Ames, winemaker for Tor Kenward Family Wines.
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Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
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Proprietor Jeff Ames, who has done a fabulous job for the wines of the Tor Kenward Family Vineyards, has his own operation called Rudius. This 2005 Syrah possesses a rich perfume of tapenade, bacon, blackberries, and cherries. It hits the palate with good authority and richness, but shuts down immediately, and offers only a short finish. However, I loved the aromatics and attack. Perhaps I caught it on a day when it was totally shut down. Tel. (707) 287-2986