2003 Saviah Cellars Syrah, Red Mountain (WA)

[wondersofwine]

14.9% alcohol The 2001 version of this at 13.9% alcohol won numerous prizes in competition. Would have liked to sample it also. I read that 2001 was the first year that the Red Mountain appellation was authorized.
Made from Syrah grapes grown at the highest elevation of the Red Mountain designation.
Opaque wine in glass; dark purple color.
Flavors of dark plums with light peppery tones. Some tannins noticeable on the finish. Pepper and other spices come to the forefront more strongly with aeration.
Felt that more character came through on the second day, especially after sitting in the glass at room temperature (68 F.) for two hours. If you buy this I suggest decanting for two hours or more ( or maybe aging a couple more years). More integrated and seamless the second day. Takes on a velvety texture with a bit of spice to add interest. I probably would have rated it 84 the first evening and would raise that to 88 or 89 the second evening. Had it with beef/broccoli stir fry but can see it with lamb chops or London broil. I didn't record just what I paid at the winery but think it retails for around $30. I believe it was reviewed in the recent issue of "Wine Enthusiast" which has a Syrah feature (I think in the September 2005 issue).

[This message has been edited by wondersofwine (edited 08-24-2005).]

[dananne]

I remember having liked this one in addition to a few other offerings we had at Saviah that day, but looking through my records, we didn't end up buying any. Go figure. At any rate, thanks for the TN -- it was a reminder of a happy tasting day!

[wondersofwine]

I checked again in "Wine Enthusiast" (it was the September issue). They gave this wine an 85 rating and the Saviah Syrah Walla Walla a higher rating (88 I think). They did recommend aging it for a couple years. I may order additional bottles this fall if it is available for shipping and also the Walla Walla bottling.

[Bucko]

My note:

2003 Saviah Cellars, Syrah, Walla Walla Valley, Washington, $28, 250 cases. This is a big, juicy, jammy wine, with a ripe, meaty nose and deep fruit flavors augmented by generous oak. Food-friendly acidity is an added plus; 88/88.

[wondersofwine]

Thanks for the note, Bucko.

[chittychattykathy]

Wonders, Let me know-- I'll get it to ya somehow... [img]http://www.wines.com/ubb2/wink.gif[/img]

[wondersofwine]

CCK, thanks. I'm thinking of waiting until October for two reasons (too hot to ship to North Carolina now and I spent my discretionary funds on my vacation so need to build up my checking account). I will check back in October.