Qupe Syrah Central Coast California 37.5 2007

A syrah with training wheels. The color of borscht. Tastes more like a simple Gamay to me. Fresh strawberry and stewed fruits, a bit hot, and a small amount of a metallic meaty character on the nose. This is a wine of parts that aren't quite melded together yet to form a whole. Very short on the palate with very little interest. If anything it's fairly well balanced, although a little flat.

Upon opening it was rather vegetal, with an overpowering green pepper flavor that decanting an hour or so toned down a bit. After letting it breath it was more balanced, and the fruit came out a bit more. However, I never could warm up to it.

The nose opens to a strong vegetable scent that portends more of a randomly mixed puree of various veggies than of Syrah. Add damp black soil, new tires, prunes, green pepper, stewed fruits, and a mix of herbal perfumes. The palate seems off-key, combining green pepper, dirt, meat and wild raspberry in a blend of flavors that arrives at occasional harmony. Time tames the heat a bit, but there is no great symphony waiting.

I really enjoyed this wine. Was not as heavy as most Syrahs are to me, which is exactly what I was looking for last night. Had a nice sense of alcohol and mineral to it and the finish was fruity and robust. I like Syrah but will agree it is not a typical representation. I will buy it again though.

it looks like syrah, but that's about it. deep ruby color; jammy fruit and alcohol on the nose; lighter body than expected and a fruity palate not backed by much acid or tannin; short finish. if you like syrah, RUN!

Not the greatest- took a while to breathe and lose it initial acidity