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2003 Pax Syrah Castelli-Knight Ranch - USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley (1/4/2010)
Will have to add to this TN later as this is my initial impression and will spend the knight with Castelli (no pun funny):
Orangish/yellow wax capsul. Long cork was perfect. The color was a good deep garnet, with a purplish hue. The nose was pronounced creamy cedar, with a little black cherry, boysenberry hiding. The first sip was too woody, but some purple and red fruit. The finish was a little rough: oak, spice, grip of tannins, acidic… astringent.
Will revisit and post later tonight.
At the two hour mark, i swear i smelled paint. Tough to get passed that, so checked in again at three hours and the fruit was just starting to come through the nose. Still a little bitter, with strong tannins and acidity. Corked and put in fridge.
24 hours after opening: the color has become a tiny bit darker. The nose was had some blackberry and blueberry notes, but more pronounced were the lavendar, black pepper, cedar and spice (I swear it still smells a little like paint). Much more approachable than 21-24 hours earlier. Tart cherry, blue berry… a little floral and lead note, and charred oak. Still has the acidity and tannins, but the finished is a little clipped. Won’t touch my last bottle for a couple years and hope for the best. (83 pts.)
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