Montelena, Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon other_regions_australia sandalwood

sandalwood

The 2001 Syrah Astralis Vineyard may be just as compelling as the 2002

Some rather appealing graphite on the nose

The wine covers the palate fully

This is a bit atypical but no less attractive for it and a Bèze that should amply reward a decade plus of cellaring

Montelena, Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon other_regions_australia sandalwoodGood deep red. Red berries, pungent herbs, menthol and cedary oak on the nose. Brisk and tightly wound, with edgy flavors of cherry syrup and rhubarb. The tannins are a bit dry but hit the palate late, allowing the red fruit flavors to express themselves on the back. Shows a slight overripe underripe character but I would not be at all surprised if this wine came into better harmony with another year or two of bottle aging. Stephen Tanzer