2009 Rhys Syrah Skyline Vineyard
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Tasting notes
Opaque purple. A heady, floral bouquet evokes dark berry liqueur, cola, olive and candied violet. More densely packed and hefty than the Horseshoe bottling, offering lush blackberry and boysenberry flavors and suggestions of woodsmoke, floral pastilles and bitter chocolate. Aeration brings up an intense spicy quality that carries through a long, smoky, nicely focused finish. (JR)
Critic scores
Average Score
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
Jeb Dunnuck
More reviews and scores
More straightforward than the Horseshoe Vineyard, but actually with a touch more depth and richness, the 2009 Rhys Syrah Skyline Vineyard checks in at a scant 12.8% Alcohol yet delivers fantastic intensity and richness with ripe blackberry and currant styled fruits intermixed with aromas of violets, underbrush, crushed stone, and touches of leather that literally jump from the glass. Medium to full-bodied with solid concentration through the mid-palate, a fleshy, full texture, ripe tannin, and beautiful acidity, this knockout Syrah needs 2-4 years in the cellar, and should drink brilliantly for a decade or longer. It will be interesting to see how this evolves compared to the Horseshoe Vineyard and ideally, readers will have both in the cellar.