The 2004 Verna’s Vineyard Syrah is warm, dark, chewy, chocolaty and fruitful. This is our first wine off the Melville’s Rhone varietal ranch in Cat Canyon near Los Alamos. This is powerful, mineral-cherry-grenache flavored stuff. A blend of Estrella, Clone 1, 877 and 174 clones grapes yields balance and complexity. Made using two new French and one new American, plus four older French and American barrels. (160 cases produced)
Stephen Tanzer - International Wine Cellar
Deep red. Liqueur-like aromas of dark cherry, chocolate, smoked meat and maple syrup; grew oakier as it opened in the glass. Concentrated and superripe in the mouth, but with a sappy quality and good peppery lift to the rich flavors of black raspberry, smoked meat, maple syrup and spices. Rather high-toned finish features substantial dusty tannins. No shortage of personality here.