2009 Ecluse Wines Improv
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Smoky and meaty, with excellent complexity, the 2009 Écluse Improv is a blend of 59% Syrah and 41% Zinfandel, all from the estate's Lock Vineyard, that was aged 18 months in a combination of Hungarian and American oak before being bottled unfiltered. The Syrah component shines on the nose with dark fruits, leather, and pepper giving way to more brambly spice and Zinfandel character with air. Excellent on the palate as well, this medium to full-bodied beauty has upfront fruit, a lush, round texture, and an overall balanced, fresh, and very drinkable profile. Enjoy bottles over the coming 5-6 years.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jeb Dunnuck
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
(59% syrah and 41% zinfandel): Deep ruby. Lively and focused on the nose, displaying fresh red fruit and floral scents and a slow-building licorice nuance. Sappy and expansive on the palate, offering bitter cherry, herb and floral pastille qualities. Shows good intensity on the spicy, dark fruit-dominated finish. This is drinking well right now but has the balance to age.
The 2009 Improv (59% Syrah, 41% Zinfandel) saturates the palate with layers of dark fruit, smoke, espresso, licorice and spices. It is a big wine, with considerable inner sweetness and ripeness, yet it is also beautifully balanced. The Zinfandel comes through loud and clear, especially on the finish. The estate gave the Improv 18 months in oak barrels, 50% new, with a preference for American and Hungarian oak in the Zinfandel components and went into bottle with no fining or filtration.
The 2009 Improv (59% Syrah, 41% Zinfandel) saturates the palate with layers of dark fruit, smoke, espresso, licorice and spices. It is a big wine, with considerable inner sweetness and ripeness, yet it is also beautifully balanced. The Zinfandel comes through loud and clear, especially on the finish. The estate gave the Improv 18 months in oak barrels, 50% new, with a preference for American and Hungarian oak in the Zinfandel components and went into bottle with no fining or filtration. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2017. Tel. (805) 238-4998; www.eclusewines.com