2009 Carlisle Syrah Dry Creek Valley

Glass-staining purple. Blackberry, singed plum and cocoa powder aromas are lifted by a floral topnote. Sweet, floral and open-knit, with very good density to its black and blue fruit flavors. Becomes smokier as it opens in the glass, finishing with broad, harmonious tannins. You could drink this with great pleasure right now. This big boy, which includes 15% grenache and a bit of viognier, checks in at 15.5% alcohol, the highest of this year's set of syrahs.