TN: 2005 Lillian Syrah

Yoni_O_v_a_d_i_a · February 15, 2009, 6:35am

I bought this after reading all the rave reviews on the other board…

2005 Lillian Winery Syrah - USA, California, Central Coast, Santa Barbara County (2/14/2009)
Huge wine. Deep dark inky color all the way to the rim. When first popped, this was very tanninc and closed and VERY hot. Needed a couple of hours to mellow out. Smokey/meaty on the nose along with dark fruits and a bit of coffee. Big wine on the palate with the dark fruits prevailing along with some really nice dark bitter chocolate. Finish was extremely long with big tannins and nice acidity to balance everything out. Although this was a wonderful wine, the Jaffurs Verna’s vineyard is very comparable at a little more than half the price.

S_Haller · February 15, 2009, 4:36pm

Nice note. Great to know that they will have a long cellar life. Anyone know why Lillian’s Website was never finished or is this a possible new standard for a winery these days? Very basic and simple. Winery name on the web and a e-mail contact information.

R_del_Rosario · February 15, 2009, 5:56pm

I loved the 04 and have not opened any of my 05s. They are definitely big wines but, like her mentor’s wines, Maggie is able to masterfully make a rich and satisfying wine for my palate.

Thanks for the notes.

Yoni_O_v_a_d_i_a · February 15, 2009, 8:34pm

They are definitely beautiful wines and like you guys have said I think it needed more time to fully show. It was only open about 90 minutes before we started really getting into the bottle. I’m sure more time would have helped. Stil though, it was a beautiful wine.

C_Bowman · February 15, 2009, 11:32pm

Yoni,
More time definitely helps. It’s one of my favorites. Last time we had one, I
think we opened it in the morning for dinner, didn’t finish it and on day two
it was really singing. I’m looking forward to trying one in a couple years.

Paul_L_i_n · February 16, 2009, 5:13am

hard to tell from your note, but are you suggesting that this wine is not worth buying?

Jason_Hagen · February 16, 2009, 3:36pm

Had this last night (I am sure wetrock will follow with notes). It was served blind but I don’t think anyone doubted this was central cali. Very tasty and smooth. This seemed like the quintessential cocktail wine (not meant to be pejorative) and I can’t imagine aging this more than a few years.

Jason

Yoni_O_v_a_d_i_a · February 16, 2009, 4:23pm

I assume you mean the Jaffurs comment. I’m not suggesting you shouldn’t buy this at all. I’m just saying that the 2004 Jaffurs I had was very comparable to this bottle. That remark is more a comment on how good a value that bottle is. The Lillian may age a bit longer and I will definitely continue to buy.

larry_schaffer · February 16, 2009, 6:00pm

I have yet to have one of these puppies, but based on the notes, and the hubbub over at WS at AOC, I will definitely have to try one . . .

The point about Verna’s is an interesting one - White Hawk and Vernas are literally across the street from each other along Cat Canyon Road in Los Alamos. White Hawk is South facing, Vernas more North . . . but they share microclimate, soils (I believe) . . . . and therefore base similarities are not that far off . . .

And when we’re talking ‘value’, isn’t this totally 100% subjective anyways?!?!?!??!

Just stirring things up this morning!

Cheers!

Cris_Whetstone · February 16, 2009, 7:02pm

I’m sure it will “age” fine and last for quite a while but I don’t see where it will improve. Thats always the point of aging a wine to me.

I for one was disappointed in it. Good wine to be sure but not distinctive and pretty oaky. Sort of the typical huge oaked Cali Cab lovers Syrah. Or Syrah as made by Bob Foley.

Yoni_O_v_a_d_i_a · February 16, 2009, 8:19pm

That’s really interesting Larry, I didn’t know they were that close to each other. Thanks for the info, I do appreciate it.

markjahnke · February 17, 2009, 1:27am

I picked up 3 on release and sent them right to offsite storage so there is no temptation there. Look forward to popping one down the road. Maybe by then the oak will integrate…never know.

As for the website, I am sure that Maggie has her hands full with the new baby, as well as the work she i doing at Antica Terra. I’m sure she is a busy woman! Regardless, I always look forward to her releases and e-mails! -mJ

Jason_Hagen · February 17, 2009, 3:00am

I would run out and grab one and drink ASAP. There is a lot of oak but that is the style. I would say at least try one now. It is drinking great and I personally don’t think it will ever be better. Different yes but not better. Wines like this have been around for a long time and my experience says it is a shame to miss them in their youth. For me the oak does not need to integrate. There is tons of fruit and even a bit of acid and a complete lack of tannin. Go for it.

My 2 cents

Peace!

Jason

T_Altmayer · February 17, 2009, 5:25am

I agree, had this last night (with Jason) and thought it was a wonderful representation of the style. It was served blind and although it was obviously New World, I immediately thought Alban or Araujo. Probably not a wine I’m going to buy, but I really enjoyed it.

markjahnke · February 17, 2009, 1:56pm

Sounds like I might have to take a ride up to new Brunswick and pick one up at Daryl as it is closer than driving up to my offsite…might have to do that this weekend…of course depending on what mailers hit between now and then…LOL! thanks for the tip! -mJ