1997 Stags Leap
Napa Valley Petite Syrah
Score: 89.0
"A big, powerful Petite Syrah that takes a its cue from Cote Rotie by blending in a little Viognier to give the nose more aromatics. The Stags Leap is a mouthfilling wine with chewy tannins and deep, chocolatey, blackberry fruit and a touch of vanilla and toast. While drinkable now, it will certainly be better in another three to five years."
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1999 R.H. Phillips EXP
Dunnigan Hills Syrah
Score: 87.0
"Caresses the senses with a deep, toasted plum character, fully integrated oak and a silky smooth texture. Super fruity finish."
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1998 Sobon Estate
Shenandoah Valley of California Syrah
Score: 88.0
"Sobon has taken an interesting approach here, blending in 6% Viognier (a practice borrowed from Cote Rotie), and 8% Grenache (a la southern Rhone wines). It has classic plum and blueberry fruit, firm tannins and crisp acidity, as well as good aromatics and a long finish. Good now, it should improve over the next five years or more. Serve with beef or veal."
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1999 Heritage Road Reserve
Old Mundalla Vineyard Limestone Coast Australia Shiraz
Score: 84.0
"Plum, pepper, salt, soft tannin, and full body, with a tart finish. "
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1998 Beringer Vineyards Founders Estate
California Shiraz
Score: 84.0
"Velvety smooth, juicy, ripe black plum character, just a hint of cocoa, medium-bodied, with very soft tannin. Totally accessible right now. Good spaghetti wine."
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1999 McPherson
South Eastern Australia Shiraz
Score: 86.0
"Raspberry-cherry fruit laced with black pepper notes in the nose, while on the palate it has dry, cherry pie fruit, light tannin and excellent balance. Fine value."
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1997 Geyser Peak
Sonoma County Shiraz Reserve
Score: 88.0
"Big prune, pepper, tobacco leaf and nutmeg aromas that follow through to the palate with moderate tannin and classical structure. Pair with beef, lamb and tomato sauces."
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1998 Seven Peaks
Paso Robles Shiraz
Score: 90.0
"Ripe, peppery, plummy fruit on the nose, spicy on the mid-palate, with a fruity and spice finish of good length. Intense, powerful and full-bodied, this is one of the best Syrahs (Shirazs) in California. When I tasted this blind, I was sure it was from Australia. "
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1997 Penfolds RWT
Barossa Valley Australia Shiraz
Score: 92.0
"A great Shiraz from the get-go. The nose is expansive and deep, with layers of subtle complexity: plums, leather, perfectly integrated oak, and best of all, its all in balance. A great wine now, it will only improve over the next decade. "
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1999 R.H. Phillips EXP
Dunnigan Hills Syrah
Score: 87.0
"Caresses the senses with a deep, toasted plum character, fully integrated oak and a silky smooth texture. Super fruity finish."
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1998 Sobon Estate
Shenandoah Valley of California Syrah
Score: 88.0
"Sobon has taken an interesting approach here, blending in 6% Viognier (a practice borrowed from Cote Rotie), and 8% Grenache (a la southern Rhone wines). It has classic plum and blueberry fruit, firm tannins and crisp acidity, as well as good aromatics and a long finish. Good now, it should improve over the next five years or more. Serve with beef or veal."
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1997 Stags Leap
Napa Valley Petite Syrah
Score: 89.0
"A big, powerful Petite Syrah that takes a its cue from Cote Rotie by blending in a little Viognier to give the nose more aromatics. The Stags Leap is a mouthfilling wine with chewy tannins and deep, chocolatey, blackberry fruit and a touch of vanilla and toast. While drinkable now, it will certainly be better in another three to five years."
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1999 McPherson
South Eastern Australia Shiraz Cabernet
Score: 87.0
"The Shiraz holds the dominant position here, sweet, deep cherry pie fruit on the nose; dry cherry pie fruit on the palate, firm structure, well integrated tanin, silky texture and a moderately fruity finish. Good value."
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1997 Seven Peaks
Central Coast Cabernet 69% Shiraz 31%
Score: 90.0
"Rich blackberry and aromatic dried marjorum, full bodied, moderate tannin. A supple with dark berry fruit and superb balance. A winery to watch."
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1996 Clos du Bois
Alexander Valley Selection Sonoma County Shiraz
Score: 88.0
"A medium-bodied wine packed with dried prune and jammy boysenberry fruit, medium body, moderate tannin, and a spicy finish."
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