Work kicked my ass this week. This was my revenge, and revenge I got.
2004 Eric Kent Wine Cellars Syrah Dry Stack Vineyard- USA, California, Sonoma County, Bennett Valley (8/9/2013)
Consistent with my last bottle, this is dark and ominous. Nose of deep ripened black raspberries and warm blueberry pie. A nose filled of blue and black fruits with an interesting spring flower mix in there. Mouth shows some sassafras, worn leather, white pepper and the root beer I found on last try. This is more approachable out of the gate with tannins yielding and balance deft. Finish goes long. A very deftly made elegant style of Syrah that you can’t help but love. If you don’t love this, move on to something else, because Syrah just ‘ain’t your thing’. (94 pts.)
Kent Humphrey has produced some very nice wines that I have reviewed over the years. Small production, Bennett Valley and RRV sources along with good pricing and imaginative labels. Nice people too.
Visited and tasted with Kent on our last trip. Incredibly nice guy, generous with his time and wine. I highly recommend a visit and getting on his list.
I had the 2006 a couple nights ago, and it was fantastic. I thought I might be a tad over the hill, but not even close. Very elegant, with bright fruit. Simply delicious.
Kent gets some love, but not enough in my opinion. I seriously don’t think I’ve had one of his wines that I haven’t found at least quite good. Chardonnay, Pinot, Syrah, all good stuff, at good prices. Belongs in the “no-brainer” club right along with Carlisle and Bedrock, if you ask me.