Excellent wine! I was not expecting this to have held up this well. This was a PnP that, although it was very drinkable from the start, only improved from there. Dark fruit flavors with a leathery texture and a smooth, medium finish. It went well with BBQ country-style ribs.
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Auction purchase. Dry, crumbling cork. Spice, charred mead, old syrah, bit of dark fruit opens and goes a bit more red with air. Not worth th$41++ paid
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Still has a very nice medium/deep purple color but you can tell right away from the nose that the downward trajectory has begun. These Lewis efforts are highly extracted affairs and this is no exception, so after 15 years of bottle age, the fruits has faded a touch. Pleasant dark fruit notes, framed with a bit of espresso, and roasted meat all work really well together. Still has a nice finish and a low amount of "heat" off the nose, again a reflection of it's age. I really like these wines, they are such crowdpleasers and I say that in the most respectful way. This wine will never disappoint a crowd. Always reliable, with some complexity, even if they're all usually made in the same style.
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As soon as you pull the cork the room fills with powerful berry aromatics. This is full bodied, fruit forward with rich concentrated berry fruits. Dark inky garnet colored, full bodied, complex nicely integrated and polished layers of black berry, ripe black cherry and blueberry with layers of mocha and spice and a layer of soft tannins on the long lingering finish.
On the back half of its trajectory, so drink up, it's not getting better. A few glasses in, and I look at the label/vintage, surprised to see 2003, given how much acidity is here, but not surprised in that it's as far along as it is. Mature, resolved, but still managing some freshness; fruit is fading to the point that the tannins are slightly drying and coarse. Excellent with a ribeye, but equally good on its own (though not in a cocktail wine sense, as this may have been upon release). Glad to have tried it at this point in its evolution. Thru 2015.
PnP, served non-blind (a last-minute backup bottle for a corked Valdicava BdM, though decanting only would have detracted)
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Enjoyed with Thanksgiving dinner. Big red that overpowered the meal. Will drink with steak next time. Needed time to open up....ready to drink .. deep ruby red color
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Nose of dusty cherry and cedar. Great balance and harmony. Dark fruit with a hint of carmel in the background. Long finish. Still going strong. Decanted for over an hour
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Dark inky color, full bodied, complex nicely integrated and polished layers of black berry, hints of black cherry and blueberry, mocha and spice with layer of soft lingering tannins.
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Rich, round berry, spice, plum and blueberry flavors. Paired with pulled pork and worked nicely, although we preferred the 2001 St Cosme cote rotie that came first.
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This wine went VERY VERY well at Mortons with the 07 Caymus Reg Cab. Both were lush and filled with fruit. The Lewis was a touch less sweet and Jammy then the Caymus (a bonus) and the Lewis had a better backbone structure. This wine has longevity still and is a steal.
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Dark inky purple, Medium bodied, surprisingly velvety soft, smooth, sweet ripe berry with hints of mocha, almond and slight vanilla on a flavorful finish.
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Not the same wine that I had last time. It looked the same and settled the same. Tonight however it was harsh and twangy. I find myself shivering and thrashing my head after the last few sips. Not sure what is going on here tonight but I am disappointed tonight.
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I appreciated Rob pulling this one for me. In fact, Rob is who turned me onto Lewis several years ago, to which time I bought a lot of it. About 3 years ago, I sold it all off. In drinking this 2003, I just dion't find the oak and the sweetness to my liking, which is what prompted me to sell the wines off before. It would appear from last night that this wine could have been helped by stemware selection, as my basic Reidel did not show the wine as well as Rob's more expensive Reidel stem but even that said, the wine too me felt superficial, lacking mostly the depth I was hoping to see.
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Dark purple color almost black. Intense nose that jumps out of the glass. Rich ripe dark fruit, black pepper, and coco powder. The palate is full and round but not overly complex. The flavors echo the nose with nicely intergrated oak adding the new world lushness. The only knock on this wine is the finish is hot and medium in length. Overall a nice wine, a croud pleaser to be sure.
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A terrific wine in a terrific place right now. Wonderful nose of berries and spice. Plenty of black fruit up front. Nice, long, spicy finish. Excellent balance. Should go on for quite some time.
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Very dark ruby colour. Very intense concentrated fruit. Drinking with food is a must. The finish is oak/carmel/cherry not real long but satisfying. The mid palate is the best. I think this wine is prime for drinking. Should last a few more years but may not be better. I will drink my other 5 bottles this year.
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Violet center, dark red rim - good clarity with a bit of fine sediment (my fault though, should have been more careful pouring into the decanter, as it already has thrown a bunch of sediment). Decanted for 3 hours. Very expressive nose. Violets, Olive, Black fruit. Very good entry and mid palate, a bit short on the end. Medium bodied, smooth texture. Good, soft red fruit (cherry, raspberry?). Not sure it will get any better with extended aging (though there are still some tannins on the finish), though not heading down yet either. Would suggest drinking now, or in the next year or two tops. Oak seems much more in the background since the last time I had this. A much better wine then a year ago. This is a very good wine, and for California, a QPR ($50 release price) in the scheme of things. Wish I had bought more than two, now that I have zero!
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Another trip down Lewis lane. It's cool this wine continues to make a presence at events as time passes, as it allows multiple tastings to see how it is coming along. Not sure if this was decanted and I can't remember who brought it. My notes say "cologne" for a nose. Can't recall ever using that but that be what I wrote on first impression. This wine is dense with a sweet fruit profile along with chocolate and a big woody finish of tannin and vanilla. Wonder how this wine would have been the next day. I have 2 of these in the cellar and based on what I tasted at the OL, would think another few years of cellaring woud not hurt.
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Young California Syrah (Chez Shaffer - Highland Park IL): Tasted blind. Ultra ripe start with dense black fruit. Powerful but compact with a bitter note on finish. Others liked this considerably more than I did tonight, it was the group's #2 Wine of the Night.
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Wineflock Intro/Retro - California Syrah (The Shaffer's): Group #2, My #5. Mmmmn. Rich open red/black fruit aroma with lovely floral and spice notes. Very nice rich con centrated black fruit but lifting acidity and enough fruit to carry the alcohol.
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Leather, oak, plum and a hint of eucalyptus on the beautiful nose. Dark fruit and some smoked meat on the long finish. A beautiful wine. Next day note: Even more wonderful. Maybe my new WOTN from our tasting. This baby will age!!
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Ordered as soon as we sat down at Blackbird (Chicago) and decanted. Got to it in a bit over an hour and it had gone from hugely tannic to just hugely delicious. Deeply aromatic and rich with vanilla, dark fruit, and smoke. It was terrific with venison.
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oak oak and more oak. Lately I'm realizing how much oak is in these lewis' wines. still a nice wine. dark chocolates and coffee with black cherry. nice velvet feel and good finish. I'm not sure if the oak will integrate better with more time, but if it does, this will be a winner.
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Must be going into some sort of phase; stored perfectly since purchase but came across as disjointed, did not have the impact or pizazzz as the bottle we had last December. Let these sit for another 2 years before trying again
Day 2 and 3; it has pulled itself back together, much better integrated, interesting blend of Syrah and merlot...shows promise; patience, patience, patience
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Stamford OL (Morton's Stamford): Nose of eucalyptyus, sweet puple fruit. Alcohol, tannin, acids, followed by purple fruit, plums, raspberries, oak & vanilla. More syrah than merlot. Group's WOTF, tied for Group's WOTN.
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Think and purple. Dark purple fruit. Notes of earth, chocolate, and lot of oak. A bit too much for me right now. I hope it settles down in a couple of years.
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Simply wow. Great nose of vanilla, ripe berries. Fruit is big and pleasant, raisins, chocolate in the middle, marvellous finish. Drinking very well now. Everyone's WOTN.
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Drank during the super bowl......decanted approx 1 hour. Nice fruit taste, but did not deliver the typical nose I expected. Probably a bit early to be drinking this one. Will try again in 2008.
Right now......about a 90.
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I have had this wine twice in the last couple of months. While I do not think it is as profound as the 2002 version there is no doubt this is a very enjoyable bottle. My wife and I notice this wine does not last long into the evening.
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WOW, not as refined as the 02, but greatness. Hint of Vanilla, coffee, floral, and earth. Body of Bluberry, dark cherry, oak, and SPICE. Incredible showing out of the decanter, progressing on the tannins as the night wears on. 93 with room to improve.
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Christmas in Napa; Mostly Syrahs; 12/23/2005-12/25/2005 (Napa): Very very impressive bottle, received thru Jade for Christmas and couln't resist. Huge wine with fruits that won't stop, great balance and long finish. Will do well with aging, but suprised how approachable this is already.
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Deep purple almost black with a nose of blackberry, currant, and charcoal. The body is big and supple adding dark cherry, spice, and cedar components. While I think the 2002 is slightly better at this stage, this is a fantastic wine. I think it will benefit from short term cellaring.
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This is an amazing blend and wine. I have had the 2002 and loved it but Lewis raised the bar with this 2003! Full nose of dark fruit and some great spice, full palate of darker fruits, oak, and more spices (but balanced) with long and memorable finish! 92-95 (bought more after my first bottle)
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12/9/2021 - geomack Likes this wine: 91 Points
Excellent wine! I was not expecting this to have held up this well. This was a PnP that, although it was very drinkable from the start, only improved from there. Dark fruit flavors with a leathery texture and a smooth, medium finish. It went well with BBQ country-style ribs.
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4/20/2019 - BrunelloBob wrote: 87 Points
Auction purchase. Dry, crumbling cork. Spice, charred mead, old syrah, bit of dark fruit opens and goes a bit more red with air. Not worth th$41++ paid
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6/3/2018 - hrazdiiv Likes this wine: 91 Points
Still has a very nice medium/deep purple color but you can tell right away from the nose that the downward trajectory has begun. These Lewis efforts are highly extracted affairs and this is no exception, so after 15 years of bottle age, the fruits has faded a touch. Pleasant dark fruit notes, framed with a bit of espresso, and roasted meat all work really well together. Still has a nice finish and a low amount of "heat" off the nose, again a reflection of it's age. I really like these wines, they are such crowdpleasers and I say that in the most respectful way. This wine will never disappoint a crowd. Always reliable, with some complexity, even if they're all usually made in the same style.
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4/14/2016 - spectrumphoto wrote: 92 Points
Still opens up quite nicely. Big Lewis style as always
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12/25/2015 - rmcnees Likes this wine: 92 Points
As soon as you pull the cork the room fills with powerful berry aromatics. This is full bodied, fruit forward with rich concentrated berry fruits. Dark inky garnet colored, full bodied, complex nicely integrated and polished layers of black berry, ripe black cherry and blueberry with layers of mocha and spice and a layer of soft tannins on the long lingering finish.
http://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2015/12/lewis-cellars-napa-valley-alecs-blend.html
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6/18/2015 - Mscruggs Likes this wine: 91 Points
This wine was still drinking beautifully, I think it could still hold for another 1-2 years.
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9/27/2014 - Tim Heaton Likes this wine:
On the back half of its trajectory, so drink up, it's not getting better. A few glasses in, and I look at the label/vintage, surprised to see 2003, given how much acidity is here, but not surprised in that it's as far along as it is. Mature, resolved, but still managing some freshness; fruit is fading to the point that the tannins are slightly drying and coarse. Excellent with a ribeye, but equally good on its own (though not in a cocktail wine sense, as this may have been upon release). Glad to have tried it at this point in its evolution. Thru 2015.
PnP, served non-blind (a last-minute backup bottle for a corked Valdicava BdM, though decanting only would have detracted)
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5/7/2014 - no leashes wrote: 90 Points
Very tasty, with plum, blueberry and tobacco flavors, medium bodied.
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1/1/2014 - spectrumphoto wrote: 92 Points
Mature but still ALL there. Lots of Tobacco and Coco, dark wild fruit. Raspberries, blackberries, blueberries
This thing changes 3-4 times... did get a little "hot" after a bit but great Napa Lewis!
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11/30/2013 - Lax4 Likes this wine: 89 Points
Enjoyed with Thanksgiving dinner. Big red that overpowered the meal. Will drink with steak next time. Needed time to open up....ready to drink .. deep ruby red color
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4/26/2013 - lewisrise wrote: 93 Points
Nose of dusty cherry and cedar. Great balance and harmony. Dark fruit with a hint of carmel in the background. Long finish. Still going strong. Decanted for over an hour
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12/25/2012 - JLucas wrote: 92 Points
Took some time to open up but still in very good shape.
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12/22/2012 - pjhr wrote: 93 Points
Continues to drink beautifully!
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11/4/2012 - spectrumphoto wrote: 92 Points
Still a fun wine. Typical Lewis so its big, boisterous and chewy... Have a big bold dinner with this one...soo fiun
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5/7/2012 - rmcnees Likes this wine: 92 Points
Dark inky color, full bodied, complex nicely integrated and polished layers of black berry, hints of black cherry and blueberry, mocha and spice with layer of soft lingering tannins.
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12/22/2011 - DesMarteau wrote: 93 Points
- Violet color - Fleshy! Full deep plum with spice edges.
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10/23/2011 - no leashes wrote: 89 Points
Rich, round berry, spice, plum and blueberry flavors. Paired with pulled pork and worked nicely, although we preferred the 2001 St Cosme cote rotie that came first.
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11/9/2010 - spectrumphoto wrote: 93 Points
This wine went VERY VERY well at Mortons with the 07 Caymus Reg Cab. Both were lush and filled with fruit. The Lewis was a touch less sweet and Jammy then the Caymus (a bonus) and the Lewis had a better backbone structure. This wine has longevity still and is a steal.
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8/13/2010 - rmcnees wrote: 90 Points
Dark inky purple, Medium bodied, surprisingly velvety soft, smooth, sweet ripe berry with hints of mocha, almond and slight vanilla on a flavorful finish.
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8/1/2010 - pikemasterflash wrote: 90 Points
Not the same wine that I had last time. It looked the same and settled the same. Tonight however it was harsh and twangy. I find myself shivering and thrashing my head after the last few sips. Not sure what is going on here tonight but I am disappointed tonight.
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4/20/2010 - pikemasterflash wrote: 93 Points
Loved it and it absolutely met my expectations after the last bottle. Completely smooth and balanced. Looking forward to the next one.
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4/18/2010 - Frank Murray III wrote:
I appreciated Rob pulling this one for me. In fact, Rob is who turned me onto Lewis several years ago, to which time I bought a lot of it. About 3 years ago, I sold it all off. In drinking this 2003, I just dion't find the oak and the sweetness to my liking, which is what prompted me to sell the wines off before. It would appear from last night that this wine could have been helped by stemware selection, as my basic Reidel did not show the wine as well as Rob's more expensive Reidel stem but even that said, the wine too me felt superficial, lacking mostly the depth I was hoping to see.
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2/28/2010 - jbro wrote: 90 Points
Better on day two--so may have life left. Dark purple woth plety of tannins and the full range of cabernet flavors. A bit short on the finish
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7/19/2009 - borneman wrote: 90 Points
Good but not as complex as other Alec's I've had., Maybe be better with a few more years on it.
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3/8/2009 - gregsp wrote: 94 Points
Really outstanding; very rich. Very dark purple, with nice legs. Well structured ripe dark fruit and chocolate.
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12/25/2008 - Brsed wrote: 92 Points
Not as fruit forward as previous times I have had this bottle but still fruit forward.
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12/6/2008 - SoCal wrote: 91 Points
Dark purple color almost black. Intense nose that jumps out of the glass. Rich ripe dark fruit, black pepper, and coco powder. The palate is full and round but not overly complex. The flavors echo the nose with nicely intergrated oak adding the new world lushness. The only knock on this wine is the finish is hot and medium in length. Overall a nice wine, a croud pleaser to be sure.
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11/8/2008 - Brsed wrote: 94 Points
A terrific wine in a terrific place right now. Wonderful nose of berries and spice. Plenty of black fruit up front. Nice, long, spicy finish. Excellent balance. Should go on for quite some time.
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8/2/2008 - gregsp wrote: 94 Points
Delicious and rich, both on the nose and the palate. A thick, dark, concentrated wine. Went very well with pizza.
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6/20/2008 - gregsp wrote: 94 Points
Excellent with pizza!
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4/28/2008 - tacman wrote: 91 Points
kind of like Nestle's Quick: it's so thick and rich and chocolate, but you can't drink it slow ... but more of a cocktail wine than a food wine.
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4/28/2008 - hifiwine wrote: 94 Points
oh yea, delicious
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2/8/2008 - EMichels wrote: 86 Points
Red Carpet Wine Tasting: Harsh tannins; Needs food; Cherry and dark raspberry
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1/1/2008 - benny wrote: 93 Points
Very dark ruby colour. Very intense concentrated fruit. Drinking with food is a must. The finish is oak/carmel/cherry not real long but satisfying. The mid palate is the best.
I think this wine is prime for drinking. Should last a few more years but may not be better. I will drink my other 5 bottles this year.
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12/22/2007 - cadamson wrote: 92 Points
Violet center, dark red rim - good clarity with a bit of fine sediment (my fault though, should have been more careful pouring into the decanter, as it already has thrown a bunch of sediment). Decanted for 3 hours. Very expressive nose. Violets, Olive, Black fruit. Very good entry and mid palate, a bit short on the end. Medium bodied, smooth texture. Good, soft red fruit (cherry, raspberry?). Not sure it will get any better with extended aging (though there are still some tannins on the finish), though not heading down yet either. Would suggest drinking now, or in the next year or two tops. Oak seems much more in the background since the last time I had this. A much better wine then a year ago. This is a very good wine, and for California, a QPR ($50 release price) in the scheme of things. Wish I had bought more than two, now that I have zero!
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1/6/2007 - Frank Murray III wrote:
Another trip down Lewis lane. It's cool this wine continues to make a presence at events as time passes, as it allows multiple tastings to see how it is coming along. Not sure if this was decanted and I can't remember who brought it. My notes say "cologne" for a nose. Can't recall ever using that but that be what I wrote on first impression. This wine is dense with a sweet fruit profile along with chocolate and a big woody finish of tannin and vanilla. Wonder how this wine would have been the next day. I have 2 of these in the cellar and based on what I tasted at the OL, would think another few years of cellaring woud not hurt.
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12/24/2006 - pjhr wrote: 93 Points
Delicious ripe blackberry and cherry aromas and flavors with well integrated spice and oak finishing with ripe tannins.
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12/23/2006 - lpk22 wrote: 89 Points
Solid wine, dark in color, very tight, am going hold onto remaning bottle for at least a few more years, shows a lot of potential
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12/21/2006 - Dixie wrote:
had with mike at wall centre not as good without decanting and food still very good though
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10/28/2006 - Dixie wrote:
had with peter was great again
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10/1/2006 - Dixie wrote:
had with dave and michelle was amazing!
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9/15/2006 - Burgundy Al wrote: 87 Points
Young California Syrah (Chez Shaffer - Highland Park IL): Tasted blind. Ultra ripe start with dense black fruit. Powerful but compact with a bitter note on finish. Others liked this considerably more than I did tonight, it was the group's #2 Wine of the Night.
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9/15/2006 - winefool wrote: 93 Points
Wineflock Intro/Retro - California Syrah (The Shaffer's): Group #2, My #5. Mmmmn. Rich open red/black fruit aroma with lovely floral and spice notes. Very nice rich con centrated black fruit but lifting acidity and enough fruit to carry the alcohol.
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9/15/2006 - mattowan wrote: 93 Points
Leather, oak, plum and a hint of eucalyptus on the beautiful nose. Dark fruit and some smoked meat on the long finish. A beautiful wine. Next day note: Even more wonderful. Maybe my new WOTN from our tasting. This baby will age!!
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9/15/2006 - Nanda wrote: 93 Points
Wine Flock: California Syrah - An Introspective / Retrospective Tasting (The Shaffer's - Highland Park, IL): A fragrant nose of sweet red and black fruits, vanillin, smoke and allspice. Palate is round, fleshy and unctuous with delicious chocolate, black cherry and toast flavors. Ripe frut, edgy tannin and lightly firm acid are all in synch. A pleasure-filled and well put together wine (group #2, my #4).
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8/11/2006 - grapist wrote: 92 Points
Ordered as soon as we sat down at Blackbird (Chicago) and decanted. Got to it in a bit over an hour and it had gone from hugely tannic to just hugely delicious. Deeply aromatic and rich with vanilla, dark fruit, and smoke. It was terrific with venison.
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7/4/2006 - goofy Yno wrote: 90 Points
oak oak and more oak. Lately I'm realizing how much oak is in these lewis' wines. still a nice wine. dark chocolates and coffee with black cherry. nice velvet feel and good finish. I'm not sure if the oak will integrate better with more time, but if it does, this will be a winner.
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5/22/2006 - 1800kidney wrote: 92 Points
Must be going into some sort of phase; stored perfectly since purchase but came across as disjointed, did not have the impact or pizazzz as the bottle we had last December. Let these sit for another 2 years before trying again
Day 2 and 3; it has pulled itself back together, much better integrated, interesting blend of Syrah and merlot...shows promise; patience, patience, patience
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5/13/2006 - mreinitz wrote: 91 Points
Dark purple, syrah dominates the taste. A lot of oak and grippy tannins -- benefits a lot from an hour or two in the air.
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4/1/2006 - trankin wrote: 94 Points
Stamford OL (Morton's Stamford): Nose of eucalyptyus, sweet puple fruit. Alcohol, tannin, acids, followed by purple fruit, plums, raspberries, oak & vanilla. More syrah than merlot. Group's WOTF, tied for Group's WOTN.
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3/11/2006 - mattowan wrote: 90 Points
Think and purple. Dark purple fruit. Notes of earth, chocolate, and lot of oak. A bit too much for me right now. I hope it settles down in a couple of years.
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2/6/2006 - jmp wrote: 94 Points
Simply wow. Great nose of vanilla, ripe berries. Fruit is big and pleasant, raisins, chocolate in the middle, marvellous finish. Drinking very well now. Everyone's WOTN.
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2/6/2006 - wcooper wrote: 90 Points
Drank during the super bowl......decanted approx 1 hour. Nice fruit taste, but did not deliver the typical nose I expected. Probably a bit early to be drinking this one. Will try again in 2008.
Right now......about a 90.
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1/14/2006 - flashvictor wrote: 92 Points
I have had this wine twice in the last couple of months. While I do not think it is as profound as the 2002 version there is no doubt this is a very enjoyable bottle. My wife and I notice this wine does not last long into the evening.
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12/27/2005 - auto wrote:
WOW, not as refined as the 02, but greatness. Hint of Vanilla, coffee, floral, and earth. Body of Bluberry, dark cherry, oak, and SPICE. Incredible showing out of the decanter, progressing on the tannins as the night wears on. 93 with room to improve.
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12/25/2005 - 1800kidney wrote: 94 Points
Christmas in Napa; Mostly Syrahs; 12/23/2005-12/25/2005 (Napa): Very very impressive bottle, received thru Jade for Christmas and couln't resist. Huge wine with fruits that won't stop, great balance and long finish. Will do well with aging, but suprised how approachable this is already.
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11/15/2005 - flashvictor wrote: 92 Points
Deep purple almost black with a nose of blackberry, currant, and charcoal. The body is big and supple adding dark cherry, spice, and cedar components. While I think the 2002 is slightly better at this stage, this is a fantastic wine. I think it will benefit from short term cellaring.
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9/22/2005 - Bryan wrote: 94 Points
This is an amazing blend and wine. I have had the 2002 and loved it but Lewis raised the bar with this 2003! Full nose of dark fruit and some great spice, full palate of darker fruits, oak, and more spices (but balanced) with long and memorable finish! 92-95 (bought more after my first bottle)
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