Grapelive Wine of the Week
By Kerry Winslow
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2008 Pavo Syrah Estate, Bennett Valley, Sonoma.
Made by Jordan Kivelstadt, former winemaker at Donum Estate and Stemmler, working with Ken Benards, Ancien and making wines at Copain. A terrific deep small handcrafted Syrah from a small Sonoma Estate in Bennett Valley. (one the super Syrah hot spots) Only 200 Cases made, super dense and opaque purple with violets, blueberry and cassis layers. This is one of the best Syrah’s of the vintage from the North Coast and frankly I could easily mistake it for any of the best in 2007 too, this is a Syrah to look for and enjoy over the next 3-5 years. The nose has it all, crushed flowers, smoke, minerals, game and bitter chocolate along with blackberry and currants. The palate is wide and mouth-filling with dark rich fruit, earthy spices and mocha, plums, mountain berries and lavender oil add interest as does a touch of white pepper and vanilla. This is a stunning artisan wine that delights with power and elegance, bravo! ($40 Est.) 94 Points, grapelive
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Available at www.sfwtc.com