2017 Bone Rock James Berry Vineyard Syrah
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Tasting notes
Inky purple. Deep-pitched aromas of cherry preserves, blackberry, fruitcake, exotic flowers and incense on the highly perfumed nose. Stains the palate with concentrated black/blue fruit liqueur, allspice, licorice and violet pastille flavors enlivened by a smoky mineral nuance that builds through the midpalate. Conveys a suave blend of richness and vivacity and betrays no rough edges. Appealingly sweet and expansive on the strikingly long, focused finish, which features resonating dark berry and floral notes and subtly chewy tannins.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jeb Dunnuck
Josh Raynolds
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The 2017 Bone Rock is a blend of 66% Syrah, 16% Graciano, 9% Mataro, 5% Roussanne, 2% Grenache and 2% Petite Sirah aged in about 60% new oak. Deep ruby-purple, it opens to violets, cassis, vanilla, bay leaves and char aromas. Full-bodied, it floods the mouth with dark, spicy fruits with good juiciness and a youthfully firm but ripe frame, and it finishes long and floral.
Based on two-thirds Syrah, 16% Graciano, 9% Mataro, 5% Roussanne, and the rest Grenache and Petite Sirah, the 2017 Bone Rock is a powerhouse wine that does everything right. Deep purple-colored, with a rocking nose of chocolate, smoked meat, ground pepper, Asian spices, and spring flower, it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, a plush, sexy texture, good acidity, and a great, great finish. I’d be happy to drink bottles any time over the coming 10-15 years.