Cline Syrah 2005, California

An extremely rich wine, in a very woody style.

The colour is ruby with garnet hints. Nose is extremely intense, almost overwhelming with the spices (coffee, tobacco and vanilla, but also anise, balsamic and laurel) almost aggressive. Then after a while on the glass the fruit comes in, cherry jam and almost-dried plum. There is a complexity which however doesn't lead to finesse (too much spices perhaps, covering the fruits). In the end almost caramel emerging. Overall the nose is extremely interesting if a bit too warm, perhaps anticipating a lack of acidity. Mouth is extremely warm and smooth, almost too soft. Chocolate and berry jam. There is nonetheless a certain freshness which avoid the wine becoming disturbingly jammy. Tannins are very smooth, almost too much, and sapidity is lacking. It is a moderately balanced, moderately fine wine overall, whose main drawbacks are the lack of sapidity and the not impressive length. Still, it has a surprising freshness and the nose, if not completely balanced, is nonetheless very interesting and quite addictive. If I were to give it a vote, I would say 83.