Hanger steak and roast squash called out for some northern Rhone syrah tonight. On tap, my lone bottle of 2003 Ogier La Rosine syrah. Wow, what a blockbuster basic syrah from this esteemed producer. Powerful nose of plums, violets, smoked meat and iron. This opens nicely in the glass and is quite complex smelling. Somehow there’s more acid than I expect, with the flavors following the aroma but the acid providing great freshness and clarity to the richness. Tannins are fine and toothsome. This may be atypcially ripe and rich for the appellation, but there’s no 2003 problem here (Melissa!). Wish I had more of this, but it’s so delicious it’s way too easy to drink too much. I’ll give this an unsanctioned, hybrid Bruce L. super-yum.