2009 Rusack Syrah Ballard Canyon Reserve
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Tasting notes
(includes 17% petite sirah): Inky ruby. Fresh blackberry and floral aromas show very good clarity and a strong note of peppery spices. Supple and gently sweet, with strong raspberry and blackberry flavors complemented by a vanilla nuance and firmed by dusty tannins. The finish is broad, spicy and impressively persistent. I'd hold off on opening this syrah for a couple more years but it drinks nicely now with some air.
Critic scores
Average Score
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
Josh Raynolds
More reviews and scores
The 2009 Syrah Ballard Canyon Estate Reserve literally oozes from the glass with masses of dark, jammy fruit, licorice, tar and copious French oak. This is a disappointing showing.
The 2009 Syrah Ballard Canyon Estate Reserve literally oozes from the glass with masses of dark, jammy fruit, licorice, tar and copious French oak. This is a disappointing showing. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2014. I was very impressed with the Chardonnays and Pinots I tasted from Rusack. The Syrahs appear to be works in progress, but given the level of the best wines here, I see no reason why they can’t be of similar quality. Hopefully that will happen sooner rather than later. Tel. (805) 688-1278; info@rusackvineyards.com