1998 Clos Mimi Syrah Shell Creek Vineyard
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Tasting notes
Clos Mimi's finest effort to date, the powerhouse 1998 Syrah Shell Creek Vineyard (14.9% alcohol) reveals some heat in the finish, but it offers dazzling levels of prune-infused black raspberry and plum fruit intermixed with cassis, blackberries, pepper, violets, and licorice. Made from destemmed, foot-pressed fruit, it is complex, full-bodied, dense, concentrated, and massive. This individualist, distinctive Syrah pushes the envelope. It should drink well for 10-15 years. Tel. (805) 541-6464
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Average Score
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
(reportedly from a yield of just 1-1/4 tons per acre, from vines located at an altitude of 1,200 feet) Full deep medium ruby. Faintly vegetal aromas of meat, earth, stewed tomato and black olive. Concentrated on the palate, with notes of gunflint and earth but little primary fruit showing. Seems less gritty and overextracted than earlier syrahs from this producer, but still a bit rustic for my taste. Finishes with substantial, building tannins.