1997 Valley of the Moon
Sonoma County Syrah
Score: 87.0
"A well-made Syrah with a silky texture, firm tannic structure and forest floor accents that give complexity to the plum and berry fruit. Should peak in about five years. Nice wine for grilled meat"
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1997 Thomas Mitchell
Southeast Australia "Cabernet 40%, Shiraz 30%, Cabernet Franc 30%"
Score: 89.0
"Though only 40% of the wine is Cabernet Sauvignon, the cassis-like character of that grape plays a dominant role in this wine, along with a touch of spice. Medium body, moderate tannin, dry on the palate with a tart mouthwatering finish. The acidity and structure of this wine allow it to pair well with fish, while the weight and fruit make it ideal for duck or even venison. "
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1996 Stags Leap
Napa Valley Petite Syrah
Score: 86.0
"Dense, concentrated blackberries, chewy tannins, a hint of vanilla, tight and restrained. Calls for another 5 to 7 years in the bottle. Good balance and potential."
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1997 Stags Leap Winery
Napa Valley Syrah
Score: 91.0
"A terrific wine!-full flavored, properly balanced, complex with lots of forward fruit. Cherry and cassis on the nose, following through to the silky palate with leather and pepper notes, sweet well-integrated tannins, and a long fruit and pepper finish. Good now, yet age-worthy, it would pair especially well with steak or wild mushrooms. A great special occasion wine."
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1998 Robert Mondavi Coastal
Monterey County Syrah
Score: 84.0
"Nice aromatic plum and smoke aromas give way to chewy black fruit with an earthy component, medium tannin, decent balance and a dry finish. While its drinkable now, Id prefer to lay it away for three years oor ore to allow it to mellow."
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1998 Fetzer Vineyards
California Syrah
Score: 85.0
"A wine showing plummy fruit with some bittersweet chocolate notes opening up on the palate, tart acidity and moderate tannin. Angular and capable of further aging, you could enjoy it now with full-flavored fare like barbecue. "
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1998 Curtis
Santa Barbara County Syrah Rose
Score: 89.0
"Wines are like people; some are young and fresh, supple and graceful; others are mature and complex, or coarse and heading toward senility. This is a graceful young wine with fresh focused raspberry and strawberry fruit, medium body and beautiful structure. A pure pleasure to behold, and to drink as an aperitif. Its not complex, but its a gorgeous young thing. 89"
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1999 Carramar Estate
"Riverina, New South Wales" Australia Shiraz
Score: 88.0
"A new winery to take note of, Carramars Shiraz is rich with ripe black plum and berry fruit, interlaced with a thread spice. Full-bodied with soft tannins, this is a mouthfilling wine that will please novices and wine enthusiasts alike. Try with beef or pasta marinara. An Excellent bargain."
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1997 Barwang
New South Wales Australia Shiraz Winemakers Reserve
Score: 88.0
"Plummy fruity with spicy cinnamon and red licorice tones, medium body, moderate tannin, and an extremely long warm finish. A mouthfilling wine to pair with grilled meats, chilli and stews."
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1998 Balbi Vineyard
Syrah
Score: 90.0
"A gorgeous wine-fascinating multi-layered nose of ripe plums and a high note of logan berries, following through to the palate with some smokey flavors. Nice structure with moderate tannin makes it enjoyable now but capable of aging."
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1997 Cambria
Tepusquet Vineyard Santa Maria Valley Syrah
Score: 91.0
" Good when first opened, it really opens up with some aeration . Blackberry compote, medium-full bodied, silky texture, concentrated ripe fruit on the palate, with crisp acidity and a long, warm finish. Excellent balance. A good match for full-flavored fare like shrimp curry, beef stroganoff, and teryaki beef."
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1997 Hogue barrel select
Columbia Valley Washington Syrah
Score: 91.0
"Heres a medium-bodied silky wine with layers of plum, vanilla and nutmeg, and a finish that wont quit. Pair with lamb, duck or tomato based sauces."
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1996 Geyser Peak
Sonoma County Shiraz Reserve
Score: 94.0
"This is an astonishing wine with layers of spicy berry fruit, mint, chocolate and vanilla. The nose expands, the flavors grow on the palate, the finish is luscious and persistent. A great wine that Id rather not pair with food; Id rather sit back and delight in its flavors, one bottle a year for the next 12 years."
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1996 R.H. Phillips Toasted Head
California Cabernet Sauvignon/Syrah
Score: 87.0
"R.H. Phillips is an underrated producer, as this non-traditional blend of Cabernet (55%) and Syrah (45%) attests. Full-bodied, smooth, with soft tannin, the fruit is all berry and plum with a wisp of green olive. It has excellent balance and a tart fruity finish. Begs for steak."
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Rivefort de France
Vin de Pays dOc Syrah
Score: 93.0
"A magnificent wine regardless of price, this Syrah has forward blueberry fruit on the nose, bright fruit and leather on the palate from entry through a long luxurious finish. Silky texture, light tannin, and perfect balance make for a sure winner. Would pair excellently with beef steak, pizza, spaghetti, lamb, and beef stroganoff."
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