Garretson 2004 Mon Amie Syrah, San Luis Obispo County

Just as I was losing faith in screw caps, along comes a wine that makes me hesitate on totally giving up on them…

Actually a blend of 96% Syrah and 4% Viognier, this selection boasts 14.5% alchohol and is a limited production of only 250 cases. Named for and dedicated to the winemaker’s wife, this wine also boasts a 94 rating from Robert Parker.

The color is a deep, dark, inky blue-black. The nose is rich with dark fruits, cassis, graphite, smoke, and a hint of pepper. Those dark fruits (blackberry, plum, currant), smoke, and yes the pepper too, continue thru the palate with a hint of leather. The finish is long; the smoke and leather diminishing as the pepper takes over.

Do I have any regrets at all?  Yep, it could have cellared another couple years.  To be honest, I just didn’t trust the screw cap… been burned too many times. This is a winner.

2 thoughts on “Garretson 2004 Mon Amie Syrah, San Luis Obispo County

  1. This wine really opens up after a few hours of decanting. I’ll follow your advice and keep the rest of my bottles in the cellar for a couple of years. Ready to drink now, I can’t wait to try this wine again after a little aging!

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