Samsara Syrah Melville Vineyard 2005

Wow. This wine is what I like in Syrah and it is still available! Though they only make 118 cases. That's not too many, and so it's surprising that it's available in upstate NY. It was dark, dark red/purple, intense pepper, spice and blackberry. The Melville Vineyard is near the Pacific, in the Santa Barbara region. A colder climate than lots of places that grow Syrah, but one that still has plenty of sun. The LA Times has a great article on the varietal and vineyard. Parker gave it a 94. Given it's full body, layered components, and intensity of flavor, I'm not surprised. Earthy, meaty, fruity, it has it all. I think this wine has a future. It was priced at $48. Compared to $30 Aussie Shiraz I'm up in the air. But I liked it and would definitely drink it again in the future. Tasted February 13, 2009.