2005 Peay Vineyards Syrah La Bruma- USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Coast (1/31/2014)
My, how this wine has evolved. At release it was on the lean side, almost a green streak from the cool vintage. Today it is still very young, but shows beautiful, peppery, cool climate flavors, excellent acidity, some fine background tannins, dark, almost meaty blackberry/boysenberry fruit. A terrific cool climate Cali syrah, just turning the corner on its drinking window, and should easily improve for a decade. No rush to drink, but tastes great now. (93 pts.)
And some follow up from later in the evening: definitely a streak of green peppercorn, which I find very enticing, mouthwatering acidity with just a touch of tartness, and a little swath of salinity on the finish. A great, and unique syrah - though perhaps not for everyone.
Sounds great Alan, have these and 05 Les Titans in cellar as well and have yet to pop one. Interesting to read the tasting notes on CT over the years, not liked by many for first 7-8 years but really seem to be entering their drinking window now. Yes, patience has its virtues. Will try both soon.
Tom, no rush, but I’d say give either one a try. This is a wine that will appeal more to Rhone traditionalists than fans of a more forward style. The green pepper streak may not be for everyone, but we finished off most of the bottle last night
Some wines are panned young for being ‘out of balance’, especially if you are not familiar with the brand. But others are given ‘passes’ because of either experience with the label, the vineyard, etc.
How many wines do you think have been dissed or discarded because folks just didn’t have the patience to wait on them?
And by the way, love what Peay does with all varieties, especially syrah.
Appreciate the note. Peay is the only California wine in my cellar, and I’ve had the conviction to hold onto my 07s and 09s. This note helps me hold the line, so to speak.
Different strokes for different folks, but I would speculate that a large majority of wine is consumed way before it’s optimal drinking window. There is some luck involved and CT has really helped in this department as well as sites like this one. This Peay Syrah is a perfect example, so many have been drunk since release and a mixed case of reviews.
Agree, but they are very different wines, at opposite ends of the spectrum (for Peay, at least - 04 was one of their warmer years, 05 one of their colder years).
I opened a 2007 Les Titans yesterday, was going to post it under the California syrah thread until I saw Alan’s Peay specific thread. Pnp, purple with no bricking. Beet juice, iron, sous bois, a hint of beef broth, more savory than sweet. Retasted today, and showing much more fruit- predominantly blackberry with hints of blueberry and pomegranate. Medium-bodied with no rough edges.
