TNR: 2006 Lillian

Anyone had a chance to try this? I know everyone is all-in, but my unemployment check doesn’t really leave much room for wine, so I’m being very selective. Thoughts?

Well…

IIRC, the fruit comes from the Eleven Confessions vineyard. I have had the 2006 SQN Raven Series Syrah and it was outstanding. If she is making the style of wine the 2005 Lillian was and using the same fruit as Manfred from '06, then it is a no-brainer for me. I’m still wait listed, so I will be hunting on the secondary market.

Been buying since 05 and will do the same this year. Hoping to get a crack at the blue label but will probably have to wish list it this year. I would really like to get an allocation of the blue label, the extended barrel program sounds awesome.

I was able to buy some last year by emailing Maggie (sometime in October.) I wonder if that means I will be able to buy this year or if I am now on the waitlist?

Yoni - you’ll probably get the mailer today. Talking to a couple of X-pensive winos by email yesterday, they hadn’t received their mailer either.

Gotcha. Thanks for the info.

I did the same thing – and received an offer in the mail yesterday. I’m sure yours will be showing up soon.

The grapes come from the White Hawk vineyard. I believe I’ve tried the '06. Regardless, the two vintages I have tried are similar in style and sure to be a hit with fans of SQN. The other day I tried another Oregon made syrah from White Hawk – the label is Big Table Farm. Friends with Maggie, grapes from her block. Their '06 White Hawk syrah is of the same cloth, perhaps a bit more acid but still big and rich. I think their retail is $45. No affiliation with either project. Just very interested in what OR locals are doing with Cali syrah.

Thanks for the 411…I knew it was a vineyard where SQN sourced fruit.

I believe SQN used to source fruit from White Hawk but no longer.

I’m on the fence with this one. Doesn’t really stand out to me for the price. Maybe I’ll split my 3 bottles with some locals.

Did we have the 05 at Mel’s hotel room OL? I didn’t get to spend enough time with it.

Yeah I brought it. Was still pretty good but probably the worst showing I’ve had of that one. I just think there are better values for Cali Syrah. Some better for me at equal or cheaper prices. The Lucia Syrah mailer should be coming around soon speaking of.

Plus there are other random people making Syrah in odd places that represent better values I would say. [tease.gif]

agreed Cris.

I am all in.

Bingo.

After tax & shipping, that’s damn near a case of Carlisle RRV Syrah.

I never had the pleasure of tasting this wine and I am tempted to buy in the open market. How good is it and which wine does it remind you of? If even a poor man’s version of SQN, then I probably would try it.

I love the stuff. I think the 2005 is not far behind SQN syrahs, the more recent ones. Bit more heat and last time I had it a bit more weight though not necessarily in a good way than Atlantis. Obviously the Qpr is much better than SQN. I (personal preference blah blah) like it much better than any Carlisle Ive had. And i do love Carlisle for what they are and the QPR (if only Mike would sell me some Id like them more), just dont think for my palate they play in the same league as Lillian, Saxum, Copain and SQN (some bottlings obviously.) I have only had about 5 different Carlisle syrahs FWIW
Edit: I meant to say Ive had Carlisle syrah about 5 times, pretty sure a different bottling each time because I havent bought many doubles. BTW you an add older Pax to that list.

Sounds like a solid mouth-watering endorsement. Now I definitely need to find a source and try it.

Thanks.

First, a disclaimer. I sell both the Lillian and the Big Table Farm Syrah. I just wanted to add that Brian and Clare at Big Table Farm are super nice people. I didn’t think anybody could be nicer and sweeter than Maggie Harrison, but Clare and Brian managed to pull it off. Some of you California folk may have bumped into Brian Marcy when he worked at places like Sterling, Neyers, Blankiet, Turley Cellars or Marcassin. The guy definitely has a nice touch with Syrah. If California wants to keep sending us nice people that make great wine then we Oregonians are going to have to figure out a way to reciprocate!

Not to hijack the thread but somewhat related, has anybody tried her Antica Terra PN? Reviews have been quite good.