2009 Collezione de Marchi Syrah Isole e Olena

The 2009 Syrah was a little closed when I tasted it, but it did open slowly in the glass. As it evolves, it shows dark fruit with delicate layers of smoked bacon, crushed white pepper and dark blackberry fruit. Paolo De Marchi does full cluster fermentations and stem inclusions. In the mouth, the Syrah is not as dense or as meaty as you might expect. Instead, it offers a direct and streamlined approach with lingering blackberry flavors on the close. I would recommend giving this wine a little extra time of bottle aging.

The 2009 Syrah Collezione Privata is strikingly beautiful, especially in the purity of its fruit. Dark blue and purplish hued fruits burst from the glass. Vibrant and juicy, the 2009 possesses marvelous depth and superb balance. Today, the fruit is front and center, while the more savory side of Syrah is very much in the background. The reduction the 2009 showed last year has now mostly dissipated. Readers should consider giving the 2009 a good bit of air, though, just to allow the wine to fully come into focus.