Syrah

The vines for Aldrich Browne ‘Mariah Vineyard’ Syrah are perched precariously at 2,600 feet above sea level, leaving the resulting wine with a very complex and intense meaty, leathery tone and soft supple fruit, reminiscent of a fine Northern Rhone wine.

With flavors closely associated to the Syrah of the Rhône, the bouquet is of spice, berries and pepper. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied, and features complex, rich fruit flavor with ample, ripe dark berry and sweet spicy fruit balanced by cedary oak. Aged 12 months in second and third fill casks, the Syrah has a smooth, round, long-lasting finish which contributes to the overall elegance and sophistication of this wine. Vineyard Brands Importer

95 points The Wine Spectator:Bright and racy, with red currant, raspberry and floral notes pushing to the front, while a nervy, minerally grip lurks in the background and emerges more on the taut, iron-filled finish. Still on the tight side for now, so needs cellaring. Best from 2010 through 2025. 577 cases made.

"In this short period, Michel Chapoutier has amassed a record of unprecedented achievement …he is one of the most influential wine personalities of the last 20 years."
~ Robert Parker Jr.

90 points The Wine Advocate:The 2009 St.-Joseph Silice exhibits a dense ruby/purple color as well as wonderfully opulent plum, black raspberry and strawberry fruit intermixed with hints of licorice and forest floor. This pure, voluptuously textured, seductive beauty can be enjoyed over the next 7-8 years. Jerome Coursodon has hit a home run with all four of his St.-Joseph cuvees in 2009. Robert Parker

98 points The Wine Advocate:The magnificent 2009 Hermitage Domaine des Tourettes boasts a black/purple color as well as a wonderful nose of creosote, incense, charcoal, blackberry jam, acacia flowers, white chocolate and a hint of espresso roast. Full-bodied and unctuously textured with low acidity and magnificent density, this 2009 can be drunk in 5-6 years or cellared for 30-50 years. Robert Parker

(91-93) points The Wine Advocate-A major sleeper of the vintage, this opaque purple-colored 2009 Crozes-Hermitage reveals notes of melted road tar, black truffles, graphite, blackberries, cassis, charcoal and roasted herbs. This full-bodied, stunning effort should drink nicely for 10-15 years. Drink: 2011 - 2026  Robert Parker