2003 Caldwell Vineyards Syrah

The Caldwell Vineyards is 123 acres, with 60 of them planted to grape vines. It sits 500 feet above sea level giving panorama views of Napa Valley, the Mayacamas and Vaca ranges. The soil is very shallow at 2 1/2 feet deep. It is primarily reddish soil with volcanic ash and rocks mixed in. Cool breezes brought in from the San Pablo Bay help moderate temperatures during the summer, providing a long growing season.

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Varietals:	100% Syrah
Appellation:	Napa Valley
Alcohol:	15.7%
Comments:	Another classic in the making. This is actually my favorite Caldwell Vineyard so far. I think it's Syrah purity and the roasted herbs de Provence / blackberry / raspberry combination in the aromatics and flavors that are so exotic and incredibly layered that it's hard to resist.
Reviews:	Robert M. Parker, Jr.'s The Wine Advocate: 91 points This Syrah boasts a deeper, darker, blue/purple color as well as a big, sweet nose of blueberries, black raspberries, licorice and crushed rocks. Full-bodied and harmonious, with sweet tannin as well as expansive richness, this beauty can be drunk now and over the next decade.
	James Laube Wine Spectator 90 pts A bold, dark, rich and delicious Syrah, with tiers of blackberry, wild berry and chocolate brownie flavors shaded by smoky, toasted oak and chicory. Intense, firm and concentrated, with anise, licorice and chewy tannins folding together on the palate. Decant. Best from 2007 through 2012.
	Charlie Olken Connoisseurs' Guide to California Wine: 92 pts Intensely aromatic and redolent of fresh raspberries with a good bit of oaky sweetness, hints of cocoa and a touch of peppery spice, this ample wine is unabashed in its ripeness but avoids the palate sprawl that can affect such wines. Its solid sense of wild berries holds well into its slightly hot finish, and its fine-grained tannins suggest that it will be drinking quite well by the time of its third or fourth birthday.
Price:	$45
Expanded Notes:	PDF Printable Version