2012 Radio-Coteau Syrah Las Colinas
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Tasting notes
(made from fruit grown in the Cherry Camp, Dusty Lane and Timbervine vineyards): Bright violet color. Musky aromas of blackberry and blueberry compote, olive tapenade, smoky minerals and licorice, with a bright mineral overtone. Dense, tactile and sweet on the palate, showing excellent lift to its dark fruit and floral pastille flavors. Displays very good clarity on the finish, which is framed by dusty, slow-building tannins.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The just-bottled 2012 Syrah Las Colinas races across the palate with layers of expressive dark red fruit. Still quite primary, the 2012 isn't showing much in the way of aromatics at this point. Instead, the appeal - and there is a lot of it - is mostly textural. There is a pulsating energy to the 2012 that makes it absolutely irresistible. The sweet, silky tannins suggest the 2012 will drink beautifully right out of the gate. In 2012, Las Colinas is a blend of fruit from several sources; 54% Cherry Camp, 27% Dusty Lane and 16% Timbervine.
The 2012 Syrah Las Colinas is a soft, consumer-friendly effort displaying silky tannins, plenty of red and black fruits, a hint of tapenade, a nice texture, and a forward style that suggests drinking over the next 3-4 years is warranted. (Not yet released) An impressive portfolio of wines routinely emerges from Radio Coteau, which employs organic farming, a low SO2 regime, indigenous yeast fermentations, extended sur lie aging with very little lees stirring, and bottling with no fining or filtration. Radio Coteau’s Syrahs continue to be splendid efforts despite the doldrums the Syrah marketplace seems to be experiencing. These wines tend to use 10% to 17% whole clusters and are generally aged 20 or more months in French puncheons. www.radiocoteau.com