2012 Myriad Cellars Syrah 100% Whole Cluster Sugarloaf Mountain Vineyard- USA, California, Napa Valley (12/14/2013)
Wow. This is just…amazing. A quiet nose of blue fruits with a keen creamy-cola note that I really like. Palate shows deft with blue/black fruits in control; this is all about the mouth-fee and appealing freshness. This shows tremendous focus and delineation with purity and verve. Blueberry pumice with hints of white pepper and violets. Balance spot on with finely knit tannins and acidity that grabs your attention. The finish is long with this one; ‘These ARE the Syrahs your are looking for’. When offered in the late winter you’d better grab all you can.These are special wines and the winemaker certainly has a made a deal with the devil to produce such an amazing array of Syrahs. (93 pts.)
I had the '12 Las Madres 100% Whole Cluster a few months ago. Another winner!
2012 Myriad Cellars Syrah 100% Whole Cluster Las Madres Vineyard- USA, California, Napa / Sonoma, Carneros (9/16/2013)
Got a pre-release sample of this from Mike Smith and figured I’d give you some early notes after reading Mike P’s Quivet Las Madres notes from yesterday. I remember tasting this from barrel about 6-8 weeks ago and it stood out above the regular Las Madres sample from the same day.
Pop-n-pour and followed for 3+ hours. Nose of dry aged beef, allspice, blood, oak, dried flowers.
Palate has a rich creamy texture with abundant black licorice, black olive. Supple tannins on a medium finish.
Had some with Flannery BYOBurgers last night and it paired nicely.
Day 2 the oak has backed off, black raspberry and blueberry come to the forefront along with some iron and smoky goodness. Black olive still abounds. Has fleshed out and the mid palate richness is replaced by tartness and some fresh ground coffee. No green notes despite whole cluster. Firm, chalky but not overpowering tannins. A little sideways time will do this one nice. Glad i took a look now though. Looking forward to the 2012 vintage release in February.
It was great, posted a note on a separate thread. Benefited from the fat in the roast today, great acidity that carried it throughout the meal. Very well made wine in what many seem to be calling a difficult vintage.