Grappe d'Amis Syrah Thompson Vineyard

Hazy, very dark red violet color; mature, savory, toast, charcoal, roast red fruit nose; silky textured, tart red currant, pepper, charcoal palate with good balancing acidity; long finish 92+ points

Drinking very well, not showing much bottle age at all. loaded with dense, rich blackberry/boysenberry fruit, terrific balance, a touch of anise most likely from the 30% oak but more adds body to the wine than distracts from it. Clearly California, but so well balanced and easy to drink. With a few years on it, I think it's safe to judge that this will last at least a decade and drink very well. Might not develop into anything more than …

Best showing yet. It has lost that slightly sweet edge with the fruit developing a little more tension. Complicating elements of smoked meats, grilled herbs, crushed rock and a strong ferous vein. More length and verve on the finish. Would hold its own with many a Copain, Pax, etc. Seems to have the structure to develop nicely for the next 4-5 years.

Our group's 2005 Crushpad wine. Aromas of cassis, watermelon Jolly Ranchers, meat fat falling on barbecue coals, chocolate caramels and a hint of root beer. Creamy almost buttery blackcurrant fruit, grilled meat and coffee in the mouth. The finish shows a burst of red fruits, crushed rock and brisk acidity. Very nice but very young and just a little monolithic on the palate at present. Hopefully age will correct that.