Two Syrahs

[joeyz6]

For the "spice" and Syrah tastings in Great Wines Made Simple, I used the following two bottlings:

2000 Guigal Crozes-Hermitage
A deep ruby red. Very closed at first, needed about 30 minutes to an hour to start showing anything more than green, vegetal notes on the nose. I picked up some black pepper, along with clove, fig and prune. Still pretty vegetal, however. Ripe red fruit on the tongue, a bit of mineral and wet stone as well. WS said this wouldn't be ready for a few years and I have to say I agree.

2001 Qupé Syrah Central Coast
Lovely dark purple color. Nose is hot, showing notes of sage, also cassis and raspberry. As the wine breathed I also picked up some coconut, then cumin and cinnamon. A healthy dose of cherry in the mouth, not really tart at all. Full body with soft but noticeable tannins that feel a bit restrained. Dry on the aftertaste. Here's a non-European wine I liked. [img]http://www.wines.com/ubb2/smile.gif[/img]

[This message has been edited by joeyz6 (edited 09-22-2003).]