Winery - Surh Luchtel
* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
A worthy followup to the excellent ’02, this bottling seems riper and more chocolaty, with more apparent sweetness. Yet it has a firm tannic structure with good acidity. The basic flavors are of cassis, blackberry jam, cherries and smoky leather, with sweet vanillins from new oak.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
This wine displays the fine combination of white pepper aromas and flamboyant blackberry fruit that marks a great California Syrah. It’s deep and long in flavors that flood the palate, yet has firm tannins and crisp acids that lend structure. There’s all sorts of chocolatey stuff going on, too.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
The alcohol is over the top; at nearly 16%, it shows both heat and sweetness. As tasty as the briary wild berry flavors are, the wine is just unbalanced.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
A blend of Atlas Peak and Howell Mountain, this elegant wine has all the qualities that make it classic Napa Cab. Balance is the key, with ripe, dusty tannins, sweet new oak, acidity and black currants poised in dry equilibrium. Drink now, as it’s a bit on the thin side, fruit-wise.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
This large vineyard, in the hills of eastern Napa, is source to many wineries, and now Surh Luchel dips into the pot. This is a very good wine, dry and classically structured, with thick but finely ground tannins and ripe flavors of black currants and new French oak. A touch of asperity in the finish warrants against aging.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
Smells like northern Rhône, with white pepper, blackberry, currant, sweet leather, fresh herb and oak aromas that are firm and complex. But once in the mouth, this Syrah turns distinctly Californian. It’s soft and melted, with a milk chocolate edge to the blackberry jam flavors and a slightly sweet finish.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
The tightest, most tannic and best of the winery’s three 2001 releases. It’s a wonderful example of a mountain Cabernet, with concentrated black currant fruit, crisp acidity and intricate, sweet tannins. Just oozes class and distinction. Hard to resist drinking now, but should age gracefully for a decade or longer.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
Tighter, better structured and more refined than the winery’s Meritage bottling due to the higher percent of Cabernet. Shows classic notes of black currants and cassis with an intriguing scent of smoked meat. Finishes rich, dry and balanced.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
Cabernet specialist Surh Luchtel turns its hand to Central Coast Pinot Noir, with some success. The quality of the grapes must be responsible for the succulent, long-finishing black cherry and blueberry fruit, as well as the good acids.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
I would decant this wine for a few hours, because at first it’s tough and herbal. Once it opens, it shows pretty cherry flavors, and the oak, while lavish, is proportional. Dry and youthful in tannins. Drink now through 2010.
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