Reviews for the 2003 Clos Mimi Brave Oak Vineyard:
"If ever there was a wine ideally suited to the Flintstones car-tipping Brontosaurus ribs, this is it. Deep and dark and
brooding, though surprisingly well balanced--the proverbial velvet hammer. This award-winning wine is a solo act that
demands, and deserves, your attention. Aromas and flavors dominated by ripe, warm dark berries, an anise/black licorice
essence that boldly crosses the boundary into "tar", and enough ripe fruit so the high alcohol is well balanced. Despite
the pleasant bottle bouquet beginning to emerge from this wine, I recommend decanting at least an hour before drinking."
Dave Chambers
Managing Partner
Sideways Wine Club
19 February 2008
"Lots of ripe, rich plum and blackberry fruit, with mineral, pebble and spice notes. Has fine
structure, with a nice balance to the acidity and tannins. Finishes with a mix of fruit, mineral and a
touch of leather, with dry tannins. (89 points)"
James Laube
Wine Spectator
15 June 2007
"'One of the warmest vineyards I buy grapes from,' Spear says, which shows in the
density and richness of the smoky blackberry fruit here.
Very sauvage, as the French might say (Spear takes inspiration from Guigal's great Côte
Rôties, La Turque and La Mouline, so I'd say it's ok to whip out a slightly snooty
French reference here), with lots of resinous leather and black pepper notes.
Ray Isle
Senior Wine Editor
Food & Wine
Tasting Room Blog
4 May 2007
"The 2003 Syrah Brave Oak Vineyard exhibits a dense ruby/purple hue along with a big, sweet nose of
blackberries, licorice, scorched earth, and incense. It is an exotic, classic, full-bodied, rich Syrah
that should age for 10-15 years based on how well it lasted during extended aeration. (92 points)"
Robert M. Parker, Jr.
The Wine Advocate
Issue 166
28 August 2006
"The 2003 Syrah Brave Oak emerges from a terraced hillside vineyard, and it enjoyed a 59-76 day maceration period.
It, too, will be aged for three years in 30% new French oak. A dense ruby/purple color is followed by pure aromas
of blackberries, cassis, smoke, pepper, and earth. Full-bodied, unctuously textured, long, and rich, it is a bit
disjointed, but possesses impressive potential." (90-92)
Robert M. Parker, Jr.
The Wine Advocate
Issue 154
23 August 2004

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