2012 Sparkman Syrah The Darkness
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Tasting notes
Bright red-ruby. Sexy black raspberry and smoked meat on the nose, plus a whiff of nut skin. A sweet, pliant midweight with good energy to its flavors of berries, smoked meat and rock. Tightened up markedly in the glass, eventually showing a clenched quality but retaining good clarity of fruit. Finishes with slightly dusty tannins.
Critic scores
Average Score
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
Jeb Dunnuck, Wine Advocate
More reviews and scores
The 2012 Syrah The Darkness is 100% Syrah that comes from close to equal parts Boushey and Olsen Vineyards. Fermented with 40% whole clusters and aged in 30% new French oak, and never racked, it has lots of gamy black fruits, black pepper, herbs and leather in a concentration, ripe, yet balanced style. Clean and lively on the finish, it should have a decade of longevity.