93 Points Robert Parker
The 2008 Reserve Release Syrah is a real step-up in terms of quality. This is produced from 39 year vines and fermented using 100% whole bunches. Possessing a very deep garnet-purple color, this wine has a gamey, smoked duck and venison character with complementary notes of black cherry sauce, some licorice and a touch of truffles. Very concentrated and rich in the mouth with medium-firm, fine tannins and medium-high acid, it finishes very long. Though tempting to drink now, this wine will improve with 1 to 2 years in bottle and should evolve nicely over the next 8 to 10 years. Only 700 cases made.
Source: Robert Parker (Robert Parker Wine Advocate) by Lisa Perrotti-Brown. June, 2010
96 Points James Halliday
Retains bright crimson hue; both the complex bouquet and palate have nuances of the Northern Rhone Valley, especially the spicy/savoury elements of the predominantly red fruit flavours; the tannins, too are admirable. Drink to 2033.
Source: James Halliday. August, 2010