What a beautiful Syrah! With its dark inky color I couldn't wait to get my first sip, and I wasn't disappointed. The aromas leap out of the glass with pungent smells black currant, blueberry, oak and white pepper. When it first hits your tongue you notice all the dark fruit flavors as the structure and complexity forms, leaving you to enjoy all the subtle nuances. In the very smooth, medium tannic finish slight flavors of bacon fat and baked blueberry pie emerge. The 2005 is still a bit young and should be drinking great from 2010 to 2015. I would recommend either opening it up to breath for several hours before you enjoy it or throw into a decanter and just let it sit for an hour or so.
$44/750ml
Rating: 9.4 out of 10
Had the 2009 Stolpman Hilltops Syrah at tasting on 12/03/2011. All of the Stolpman Hilltops Syrah's were outstanding but the 2009 Hilltop was amazing and a 9.8 out of 10 for me (perhaps higher). Bacon fat and blueberry aromas (bacon fat were the exact words I spoke aloud when I smelled the wine), deep purple center, soft sweet tannin. I have been tasting and collecting wines since 1980, traveled to Australa, tasted first growth from 1945 to present (love Hout Brion and Margaux). My second home was Napa during the 1980's and early 1990's (before the vally vineyards pushed the alcohol up from 12.5/13.5 to 15's).
ReplyDeleteGet some 2009 Stolpman Hilltops Syrah while they last, you will not be disapointed.