Wine: 2006 Jaffurs Upslope Syrah
Region: California
Sokolin Price: $59.95/btl
Rating: 96 RP
Every single day we constantly strive to locate the best "value wines" - wines that have a nice points to price ratio that we can indulge in without feeling guilty. Our customers feel the same way. The Jaffurs Upslope Syrah caught our attention for just that reason. When we saw the score then the price, honestly, we were quite surprised! Robert Parker gave it 96 points, yet it sells for just under $60/bottle.
We have found through our experience that young California wines are often powerful and intense which generally, benefit well from decanting. Of course, we wanted to re-test that theory.
Pre-decant, this wine was robust and full with its youth evident. Upon our first sip, it immediately evoked a sensation equivalent to a gushing dark fruit burst or fruit explosion flooding our palates. We tasted dark berries, earth and cherries that were unmistakably Syrah. One word came to mind...POWERFUL.
After decanting, the wine's intensity subsided but only slightly and notes of caramel, subtle tangerine (yes that is tangerine), saddle leather and blackberries appeared to come alive. This wine hails from Santa Barbara and is expected to age very well in the next 15 years. One thing worth noting about this wine - it has a high alcohol content (15.8%), and its heat is very pronounced, especially in the beginning.
Another noticeable item is the bottle itself -it is made of brown glass (rather than the traditional green glass) and is topped of with a white wax capsule. Not only does it taste great, but it also looks like a piece of artwork on your table! Rather unique and sophisticated rolled into one.
Our recommendation: Great wine and a great price for only $59.95/btl. A word of caution though, this wine is not for the faint of heart. Those who like a refined, complex, and older style wine may want to shy away from this mammoth palate destroyer. Syrah lovers...well...buy it and live the dream!