2005 Lillian Syrah
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Tasting notes
Inky purple. Explosive aromas of candied dark berries, incense, violet and patchouli, with woodsmoke, olive and Asian spice nuances adding complexity. Lush, palate-coating black and blue fruit compote flavors are energized by bright spice and mineral notes. Picks up candied violet and licorice notes on the sweet, impressively long finish, which is given grip by late-arriving tannins. With its suave marriage of power and energy, this is built for the long haul. There's no way I'd have guessed that this wine clocked in at 15.2% alcohol save for its fruit intensity. I had the chance to revisit the outstanding 2008 Lillian and was pleasantly surprised by how delicious it is showing right now. I'll bet that it will be even better in another five years but I couldn't fault anyone for drinking it now, especially if they've got a decent stash in reserve. (JR) 94+
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Josh Raynolds
More reviews and scores
Youthful inky purple. Intensely perfumed, exotic aromas of exuberant black and blue fruits, tobacco, smoky minerals, incense and Indian spices. Plump and juicy, with deep, sweet blackberry and boysenberry flavors, soft tannins and sweet vanilla and mocha qualities. A velvety palate-stainer with excellent finishing breadth and persistence. Maggie Harrison was an assistant winemaker at Sine Qua Non, and this wine shows that pedigree.
The Lillian 2005 Syrah exhibits a beautiful deep ruby/purple hue in addition to a sweet bouquet of flowers, black currants, forest floor, and subtle road tar. Full-bodied and gorgeously textured with terrific fruit purity, outstanding depth, and an impeccably well-balanced, savory mouthfeel with no hard edges, this beautiful Syrah can be drunk now or cellared for another 7-10 years. Maggie Harrison, a former apprentice at Sine Qua Non, produces her own Syrah from California, but may be even more well-known as the full-time winemaker for the Oregon vineyard of Antica Terra. www.lillianwinery.com
The Lillian 2005 Syrah exhibits a beautiful deep ruby/purple hue in addition to a sweet bouquet of flowers, black currants, forest floor, and subtle road tar. Full-bodied and gorgeously textured with terrific fruit purity, outstanding depth, and an impeccably well-balanced, savory mouthfeel with no hard edges. (RP)