August 2006 Wine Tasting Notes: Paso Robles Syrahs.
2003 Clautiere Vineyard Estate Syrah, Paso Robles.
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This wine has a nice garnet color. Oaky notes open the nose, with cherry and blackberry following. An earthy note of truffle and pepper are present. The palate is flush with cherry and light spice buttressed by a lightly toasted oak. Mild to medium tannins are soft but not flimsy by any means. Cherry persists on the finish. |
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RWB Score: 91 breakdown 14.3% Alcohol $24.00 Retail (from winery); 975 cases produced |
This is an elegant syrah with some potential to age (about 5 years). It displays the classic interplay of fruit and peppery spice. With that in mind, it will appeal to Syrah enthusiasts and it medium body will not intimidate fans of lighter varietals. A great pairing for lighter barbecue or game dishes. |
More Clautiere reviews
Detail
This Syrah was produced from equal portions of 4 different clones grown on terraced slopes managed to a maximum of 3 tons per ace yield. These clones are: Shiraz (2.5 acres), Syrah Noir (3 acres), Clone 877 (3 acres) and Clone 174 (3 acres).
Shiraz is the Australian clone (thought to originate from the Hermitage) make for full-bodied but less intensely flavored wines than the those from France. Clones 174 and 877 and Syrah Noir make up probably the most common combination of clones in the central coast syrah. Clones 147 and 877 are generally selected for their lower yields (partially through smaller berry clusters) and their ability to concentrate sugars. Syrah Noir is thought to give a rustic, fruity backbone to wines.
Clautiere Winery follows the motto: "Live the best life you can". A husband and wife team, Claudine Blackwell and Terry Brady transitioned from the restaurant business in Los Angeles and began making wines autonomously in 2000. Their original vineyards were planted in the late 1980s to Syrah, Mourvèdre and Cabernet Sauvignon. Since then, they have expanded their plantings, adding more Syrah clones as well as Grenache, Viognier and Counoise. They currently have 57 acres under vine.
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5 points |
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Nose |
4 points |
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Palate |
4 points |
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Finish |
4 points |
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Tannins |
5 points |
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Acidity |
4 points |
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Alcohol |
4 points |
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Aging potential |
2 points |
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Overall quality |
9 points |
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