Tasting Notes

WA93

The first of its kind, and a pure Syrah representing the ostensibly best portions of their In The Rocks plantings, the Reynvaan’s 2009 Syrah Stonessence weighs-in at what for its vintage and even compared with its immediate siblings must count as a low 13.9% alcohol. An almost gunpowder-like combination of smokiness, alkalinity, and char mingles with cherry preserves, tar, and sandalwood on an impressively pungent nose. A dense, fine-grained, and correspondingly striking palate adds fresh beef liver to the flavors anticipated on the nose. For all of its confitured red fruit richness, this evinces a surprising and welcome sense of sheer juiciness in a finish also characterized by a soy-like, strongly saliva-drawing savor and seemingly underlain by stone. “This is for very long keeping,” opines Baron. Barring a track record, I’ll confine myself to assuring you that it will merit at least a decade’s attention.

WS93

Silky and supple, aromatic with wet stone notes, this has a polished frame delivering lovely red berry and black currant flavors, hinting at smoke as the finish lingers elegantly.

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