1997 Neyers Syrah--Beautiful Body and Flavor
Written: Dec 21 '00 (Updated Jan 08 '01)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Wonderful body and strong flavor
Cons: Price
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| bdolcourt's Full Review: Neyers 2002 Syrah Napa Valley Hudson Vineyards |
I was first introduced to the 1997 Neyers Syrah by the sommelier at Delmonico’s Steakhouse in Las Vegas, Nevada. It came highly recommended for a reason. I would call it one of the finest wines I have ever had.
Syrah is a hardy grape, that creates rich, complex wines that can age for many years. Originally found in wines from the Rhone Valley in France and in blends from Southern France, the Syrah grape grows quite well in many areas of the world and has been planted, with great success, in California and Australia (It is known as Shiraz in Australia). Syrah is often used in blends with Cabernet.
While Neyers owns their own vineyards, the grapes for this Syrah were grown in Napa Valley's Hudson Vineyards. Hudson Vineyards appears to supply the grapes for many wineries, including Haven's and Kistler. 1997 has been a fine year for grapes all over the world, and Napa had a banner year for Cabernets and Syrahs. Hudson Vineyards seem to have shared in the success; wine made from these grapes have done very well in the rankings.
While important, the grape isn't everything. A poor winery can turn a good grape into a horrible wine. Fortunately, Bruce Neyers is not a poor winemaker. Neyers, a relatively young winery (opened in 1992), is quickly becoming known for turning out very high quality wines. Their recent Chardonnays, Zinfandels, Merlots and especially Syrahs are highly regarded and score well in tastings. This Syrah is no exception. Break out the good glasses for this one, it is worth it.
Tasting Notes
The first thing you notice when pouring the Neyers is the color. It is a very dark, thick, almost black, red wine. It leaves nice legs on the side of the glass when swirled. This wine has a strong aroma of berries and black currant. The first sip tastes strongly of black currant followed by some pepper flavors. The thickness that I noticed when swirling it in the glass, transfers elegantly to the tongue. This Syrah feels silky and substantial as it moves around my mouth. Black currant remains the dominant flavor as it continues over the tongue. The wine finishes very long and tannic, leaving the tongue pleasantly dry and slightly warm with a residual pepper taste.
What makes this wine so nice is the amount of body. This wine feels thick and meaty on the tongue. It feels more substantial than almost any other Syrah or Shiraz I have tasted of late. Its flavors are very concentrated, almost overpoweringly dominated by black currant. The strong flavor matches the feeling the wine leaves on the tongue. This wine reminds me more of an Amarone than a Syrah; that is how thick and flavorful this wine is. It is quite delicious and wonderful.
The 1997 Neyers Syrah is 15.2% alcohol by volume and was given a 93 by the Wine Spectator. In addition to the flavors I describe, they tasted wild and black berries.
Other Notes
A wine with this kind of body easily overpowers most foods. I first had this with Delmonico’s house steak...and it was barely a match for this wine. I wouldn’t drink this wine with anything less than a well prepared steak or lamb dish.
In the last few months, I have had a difficult time finding this wine in many of the wine stores I visit. One of the stores I frequent recently managed to locate a case. Basically, if you see a bottle, snap it up right then and there; you may have a difficult time finding more.
Overall
This wine doesn’t come cheap. I found it last week for $63 a bottle, so it isn’t your every night bottle. It is worth it. What I really like is the body of this wine; that is what makes it a cut above most of the wines I buy. This Syrah has a unique thickness that feels luxurious. Toss in the concentrated flavors and you have a wine that is worth savoring. While it isn’t a value wine, it is a treat. Save this one for a special occasion or for company who know wine. It can cellar for quite some time and will probably improve with a few years.
This wine impressed a certified Master Sommelier (that isn’t me by the way), it should impress almost anyone to whom it is served. I would give it just short of a five on the Epinion’s Wine scale.
If you enjoy this wine, consider the 1995 Speri Amarone Della Volpachella ($45) or the 1997 Leasingham Shiraz Bin 61 Clare Valley ($15).
Some information obtained from: http://www.udel.edu/PR/Messenger/99/4/neyers.html
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
bdolcourt
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Member: Bram Dolcourt
Location: Valhalla, NY
Reviews written: 33
Trusted by: 35 members
About Me:
After graduating in Chemistry from Brandeis and a short EMS career, I'm a Medical Student.
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