2011 Carlisle Syrah James Berry Vineyard
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Black fruit, licorice, melted road tar and smoke explode from the glass in the 2011 Syrah James Berry Vineyard. The depth and purity of fruit here are striking, but the 2011 is incredibly primary and in need of at least a few years in bottle. Today the flavors are primary, dense and fruit-driven, while the 17% whole clusters are very nicely integrated. It's fascinating to taste this Syrah from James Berry, the famous vineyard in Paso Robles, in the context of these wines from Sonoma County and the Santa Lucia Highlands. This is another wine that has developed very nicely over the last twelve months.
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Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
A classic James Berry, with notions of creamy raspberry, crushed flowers, spice box and chalky minerality, the 2011 Syrah James Berry Vineyard is fresh and lively, with superb concentration and building tannin. A complete wine, it will round into form with 3-5 years of bottle age and have 15-20 years of ultimate longevity. A superb wine any way you look at it. Drink 2015-2031. This was a formidable, structured set of wines by proprietor Mike Officer. Firm and tannic, they’re incredibly impressive, just not that much fun to drink at the moment. They’ll handsomely reward cellar time and are highly recommended. Tel. (707) 566-7700; www.carlislewinery.com
The 2011 Syrah James Berry Vineyard is once again fantastic. The aromas and flavors literally jump from the glass. There is so much going on here its hard to know where to start. Violets, tar, ash, crushed rocks and plums all explode from the glass in this layered multi-dimensional wine. The 2011, from the lower part of the 'Bone Rock' section of the vineyard, was made with 25% whole clusters.
(made from fruit picked on October 29 and bottled at 15.2% alcohol): Glass-staining purple. Heady scents of blackberry liqueur, incense and cocoa powder are complemented by a subtle smoky quality. Plush, palate-coating dark berry and candied violet flavors have serious weight but are energized by racy minerality. Chewy tannins arrive late, adding grip to the broad, sappy, extremely persistent finish. Officer told me that the grapes from this site were especially tiny this vintage. (JR)