Silverback Vineyards 2011 Reserve Syrah - 99pts

Silverback Vineyards 2011 Reserve Syrah (Columbia Valley AVA) - Washington State

Availability: Not yet available in BC. Contact winery direct here
Cost: $240 (USD)
Alcohol: 15%
Production: 55 cases
Date Tasted: August 12th, 2012
Re-tasted: June 3rd, 2013

Tasting Notes: From a barrel sample. Winemaker Charles Herrold decided to experiment with one barrel of his 100% free-run Syrah production from the 2011 vintage using a Bordeaux yeast normally reserved for Cabernet Sauvignon and the results are truly stunning. Violets, tar, cherry, licorice and citrus characters galore. Glaetzer's Amon-Ra springs to mind but with more concentration and length, if that is even conceivable. Bold, rich and absolutely gorgeous, this inky-purple Syrah is sure to become a cult classic. Only 55 cases have been produced so you may be hard-pressed to get your hands on it. If you do, you'll want to wait another 1-2 years+ before opening for your investment to pay dividends. Drink 2015-2026+.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2012 IconWines.ca

Re-tasting Notes: The wine is awaking from its Spring bottling-induced slumber with a roar, though I still recommend another 1-2 years in the bottle before opening. Should you choose to open now you'll find a powerfully elegant wine bursting with restrained intensity and dense, dense dark fruit flavours effortlessly balanced by its expertly-tuned oak program.

So close to "perfect" that 99 points may seem like a slight to the producer - and truthfully, no change to this wine could truly improve on what's already in the bottle. Vintage conditions and a presumptive successful track record, however, do leave room for future perfection.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca