($45) Saturated black-ruby to the rim. Port-like aromas of black fruits, chocolate and resiny damp earth. Large-scaled, rich and expansive but quite dry. Finishes with huge, broad, granular tannins and roasted ripeness. Can't match the Turley Estate or Hayne cuvees for sheer fruit flavor.

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The inky blue/purple-colored 2001 Petite Syrah Rattlesnake Acres (a mere 13.2% alcohol) reveals a promising nose of licorice, blackberries, minerals, and flowers. This stacked and packed, full-bodied, enormously endowed effort is relatively accessible for Petite Sirah, but ideally should have 5-6 more years of cellaring. It will keep for two decades.

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