Cline Cellars is known for specializing in Rhône-style wines, including a string of Syrahs. This 2008 is from their hillside estate vineyard in Sonoma Carneros. It was tank fermented with thrice-daily pump-overs for maximum fruit and color extraction, then aged for 12 months in French oak. The deep ruby color has a black core and the aromatics offer hints of ripe plums and berries with anise and a subtle road tar back note. It has full berry-rich flavors, with lots of refined tannin and oak, 15% alcohol and a long finish with no heat. Sumptuous and rich, this is a Syrah for aging. Note: This Cline Syrah is in an environment-unfriendly heavy 48-ounce bottle filled with wine (the standard is 45 ounces).
