This was one of those weekends I wanted young, hedonistic wines.
2003 Alban Seymour’ Vineyard Syrah
Inky purple in color, opaque and bright. The nose is huge with cocoa, raspberries, black raspberries, leather and grilled meat. A bit of alcohol showing too. Full bodied. On the palate, this is big with lots of fruit but there is also a lot going on. In a good place right now, but by no means mature. Layers of fruit and leather and oak. Long finish. After a tough week of work, this was great. Hedonistic, alcoholic and after a glass to relax me, enough stuffing to be contemplative. 50+5+14+19+8=96
2003 Arnaldo Caprai Collepiano Sagrantino di Montelfalco
I opened this despite my better judgment. IT is pretty tight right now. Still enjoyable but nowhere near where this will get to. At least I have some more. Inky purple in color with some blue near the rim. The nose has bitter black raspberries, cherries, and some fennel. Full bodied. Tight all around with black raspberries; sweet, tart and bitter all at once. Nice acidity especially for the vintage. Long finish. This should improve by 2 to 4 points IMO. 50+4+12+17+7=90
2005 Pax Syrah Obsidian Knights Valley
Purple in color, ruby at the rim, opaque and bright. The nose is earthy, with black and red raspberries and some black olives. Full bodied. On the palate, this has a ton of fruit but not over ripe in any way. Obviously young and tannic, it still drinks very well. 50+4+13+18+8=93