Grapelive Daily Pick
By Kerry Winslow
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2005 Starry Night Syrah Russian River Valley.
This wine has a Black/Purple with a garnet hue, this is a dark and opaque Syrah that looks deep and rich, is very intriguing. The bouquet is a great mix of everything you love about Syrah, flowers, spice, liqueur, chocolate, game and a sweet grapey essence that bursts from the glass when poured. The mouth is full and giving with rich fruit, and velvety tannins that have matured with the couple of years in bottle. Everything is in place and the palate is complete with thick fruit, lush body and textures. The flavors jump and coat the palate with blueberry, blackberry, plum and crème de cassis all exploding in a cascade of layers with hints of mocha, pepper, cherry pie and warm toasty oak vanilla.The finish here on this Syrah is all about length and complexity, every flavor comes back at different times on the finish, every detail comes alive and finally when the story ends the fruit stays along with a touch of dark chocolate. This is a modern and clean Syrah that delivers great depth and flavors a better because it has that extra time in bottle, making give everything now, this wine is ready and willing to please. Big bold yes, but with lots of delicate notes and focus, this is a yummy wine that your friends will go crazy for. ($28 Est.) 90 Points, grapelive
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