2009 Carlisle Syrah Cardiac Hill Bennet Valley

2009 Carlisle Syrah Cardiac Hill Bennet Valley

93+(IWC)Opaque purple. Smoky red and dark berry aromas are complemented by classic syrah notes of olive tapenade, minerals and black pepper. Tangy, spice-accented black raspberry and bitter cherry flavors are braced by dusty tannins and pick up an exotic violet note on the back end. Taut, focused and very fresh, finishing with excellent cut and peppery persistence. This is still a baby. This was also fermented with 40% whole clusters, said Officer.  Josh Raynolds Stpehen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar May/June 2011

92-94pts(WA)From the famed Cardiac Hill, the 2009 Syrah Cardiac Hill will not make anyone forget the 2008, but it is another great effort. Forty percent whole clusters were used and the crop size was significantly larger than in 2008. The 2009 displays a blue/purple color along with copious aromas of graphite, ink, black currants, crushed rocks and a hint of spring flowers. Full-bodied with surprisingly modest alcohol (14.5%) for this vineyard, it offers a beautiful combination of power and elegance and should age effortlessly for a decade.  Robert Parker Wine Advocate No 193 February 2011

Neon black-purple. Completely opaque. Room-filling aromas of blackberry, violets, crushed rocks, spring flowers, cured meat, and a hint of pepper. Very Cornas! Medium-full bodied and quite smooth on entry, refined tannins build slowly through the lip-smacking finish. A very savory, even meaty, Syrah. This wine offers up considerable complexity already but should be in its sweet spot between 2013 and 2022. Winery Notes