Reviews for the 2003 Clos Mimi Shell Creek Vineyard:

"Spear hasn't bottled a new vintage of this wine since '99, having declassified the '00, '01 and '02. Distinctive black raspberry liqueur aroma and flavor, underscored by herbal (not herbaceous) notes, bright acidity, a seductively silky texture, and an appealing stoniness on the finish. Just terrific, in other words—though also, in its silkiness and translucency of flavor, against the grain for California Syrah (and appealingly so). Spear commented that 'Shell Creek has these big, truffle-sized chunks of limestone, and I attribute the silkiness to that aspect of the soil—this is kind of my Le Méal, without the extreme 75? slope,' referring to the great Chapoutier Hermitage of that name."

Ray Isle
Senior Wine Editor
Food & Wine
Tasting Room Blog
4 May 2007

"Sweet creme de cassis, blackberry, animal fur, violets, and damp earth characteristics emerge from the 2003 Syrah Shell Creek Vineyard. This cuvee possesses a distinctive soil and terroir component that might be considered controversial, but it held up unbelievably well for ten days. A dense ruby/purple color, unctuous, thick character, and heady, full-bodied style suggest it should drink well for 10-15 years. (90+ points)"

Robert M. Parker, Jr.
The Wine Advocate
Issue 166
28 August 2006

"The 2003 Syrah Shell Creek had a remarkable 74 day maceration, and will be aged for nearly three years in used French oak. There are only 75 cases of this 14.8% alcohol cuvee. It offers terrific notes of crème de cassis intermixed with melted licorice, new saddle leather, pepper, and spice. Long, deep, and full-bodied, with an unctuous texture as well as a stunning finish, it should turn out to be very special." (91-93)

Robert M. Parker, Jr.
The Wine Advocate
Issue 154
23 August 2004