2008 Copain Syrah James Berry Vineyard
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Tasting notes
Vivid, glass-staining purple. Sexy aromas of blackberry, boysenberry, smoky minerals, olive and black cardamom. Youthfully wound up on entry but explodes in the middle palate to offer deep dark fruit compote and spice flavors, with a sexy violet pastille quality on the back half. With air this became spicier as well as sweeter. The finish leaves palate-staining black and blue fruits behind, with dusty tannins adding grip. Seems more primary than the 2007 at the same stage.
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Average Score
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The dark purple hued 2008 Syrah James Berry Vineyard is tightly-knit and restrained, but with coaxing, it offers up scents of creme de cassis, blueberries, melted asphalt, and charcoal. Its impressive texture, stunning richness, and good underlying minerality suggest this brilliant Syrah will evolve for a decade or more. (Not yet released) Readers looking for different aromatic and tasting experiences should check out Copain’s 2007 and 2008 Roussannes. Tel. (707) 541-7474; Fax (707) 541-7575