Natalie's Estate Winery Syrah Rock Horse Ranch

Seems alive. Ton of sludge on the cork was worrinsome, but not sure it's throwing off. Lots of dark iniy fruit and a good acid profile carries it through. Nice finish. Get a slight hint of cough syrup somewhere though.

There's a reason that this bottle, even though out in the open in the cellar, has been passed over time and time again. Somewhere in the back of my brain I had an impression that I thought it had sucked when previously tasted. Still does. Still artificial / synthetic / etc. A terrible wine.

Popped/poured. Rather disjointed on opening, coming across as a series of individual components, led by a quite bright rendition of syrah. Comes together somewhat after 45 minutes. Bright fruit on the nose with a hint of something odd. Sort of like stems/minerality, but artificial. On the palate, nice balance and great mouthfeel. Medium weight but rich fruit with a hint of white pepper. Unfortunately, the same artificial component (chemical / plastic) shows up on a relatively long finish. After awhile, …