2006 PharaohMoans Syrah Westside
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Tasting notes
(includes 4% grenache and cabernet sauvignon) Inky ruby. Explosively perfumed nose offers a sexy bouquet of smoky dark berries, cherry preserves, fruitcake, olive and incense. Fleshy and youthfully bitter, offering deep cassis and dark cherry flavors that are framed by lightly chewy tannins and gain sweetness with air. The spicy notes echo on the sappy, very long finish. This is already delicious but has the concentration to reward patience.
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Robert Parker
Josh Raynolds
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Lastly, a new 300-case offering marketed under a different label, the 2006 Pharaohmoans is a blend of 96% Syrah and 4% Grenache. It offers plenty of espresso roast, blackberry liqueur, licorice, smoke, and a hint of barbecue spices in a full-bodied, powerful style. More tannic, structured, and backward than some of its siblings, it is meant for long-term cellaring. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2018+. Transplanted Frenchman, Stephan Asseo (from St.-Emilion), has found a home as well as some great terroirs in the limestone soils of Paso Robles (all his vineyards are situated on the western side of Highway 101). Asseo continues to go from strength to strength, producing a fabulous portfolio of wines that makes L-Aventure one of the bright, shining reference points for the region. This is one of the California Central Coast superstars, and the wines are worth every cent. Tel. (805) 227-1588; Fax (805) 227-6988