1999 Deerfield Ranch Syrah

[hotwine]

Hadn't tried one of these in over a year, so pulled one tonight to accompany oak-grilled sirloin burgers and oven-fries. TN has definitely changed: black pepper is still present on the nose but has faded from the palate, ditto with the coffee note. Fruit is still there, just not quite as interesting as a year ago. Improves a bit after two hours as it recovers from cellar temperature, but still a tad disappointing. A perfectly acceptable Syrah, but a notch down from its former self. Will need to finish the case before the summer has ended.