The 2001 Thompson Vineyard Syrah, as usual, shows powerful forward fruit flavors and even tannins. Its aroma is an intense mixture of cherries and dark berries with hints of sweet tar. Menthol aromas are beginning to emerge. It has a classic Thompson Vineyard candy quality that clings to your glass and sticks to your lips. The finish is long and smooth. It was made using four new French and four new American, and four older barrels. (294 cases produced)
91 Points. Wine Enthusiast – Feb 2004. This is a young wine, fairly tannic, acidic and peppery now. It is very clean and well made, and possesses a deep core of cherry-berry fruit. It will improve with a few years in the cellar, but if you drink it now, pair it with roast duck. – Steve Heimoff
90+ Points. International Wine Cellar - June 2003. Full medium ruby. Aromas of blackberry, cola, bitter chocolate, and mint, lifted by a note of violet. Juicy, tightly wound, and a bit clenched, with firm acids framing the black fruit and floral flavors. Tightly coiled Syrah with strong extract and excellent persistence. Give this a year or two before pulling the cork. – Stephen Tanzer
89+ Points. Wine Advocate Aug 2003. The Thompson reveals a similar saturated ruby/purple color in addition to layered flavors of black fruits intermixed with earth, licorice, and smoke presented in a long, pure, concentrated style” – Robert Parker