Santa Justina Syrah 2004

Bodega

Range

Wine

Vintage

Origin

Price

Santa Justina

n/a

Syrah

2004

San Rafael, Mendoza

AR$8 (US$3)

Appearance

Clear medium scarlet red with some orange hues.

Nose

Plums, glace cherries, boysenberries, vanilla, baking aromas and a hint of chocolate.

Palate

Light-medium body. The palate is true to the nose, packed to the brim with both fresh and sticky glace fruit. Complexities of vanilla, mocha or perhaps savoury chocolate sponge cake, leather, and subtle spices. A good acid balance, and fine tannins on the front and mid palate. The acid intensifies, taking on a slightly harsher, woodier character on the finish but it does not overwhelm.

Overall

This very good value wine is suprisingly reminiscent of an Aussie shiraz, though lacking the full-bodied high-alcohol punch typical of the 'classic' Australian style. Alcohol is low (for a syrah) at 12.9%, allowing room for the fruit and ample oak to express themselves in a staggering myriad of flavours - the main drawback, if there is one, probably flows from that factor in that the wine is somewhat lacking structure and subtlety. A very good choice though to match char-grilled meats or stronger flavoured dishes, and at this price it certainly won't disappoint.

***

(August 06)