2003 Relic Syrah Alder Springs Vineyard

Saturated ruby. Captivating, complex aromas of black cherry, black raspberry, dark chocolate, gunflint, mocha and white pepper; just the nose of this wine makes the case that this is a terrific site for syrah. Superripe, dense and a bit unrefined, with intense flavors of black fruits, pepper and mint. This has the sheer fruit to support its big, broad tannins and major load of alcohol (15.9%). Hirby says he vinified and aged this syrah like pinot noir, leaving it on its lees until the bottling. (I also tasted a highly promising 2004, which showed more structure and less obvious sweetness; Hirby noted that the fruit enjoyed longer hang time in '04, but that the wine will be lower in alcohol and a bit less tannic than the 2003.)