2006 SYRAH THOMPSON
Santa Barbara County

My criticism of Thompson syrah is that it tends to be a bit monolithic. To remedy this, since 2003, we have been adding increasing amounts of grenache and mourvedre, and we love the results. This 2007 has a beautiful aroma, a lively play of bright stone fruits and herbs, and reminds me of a modern style Châteaunuef du Pape-not a bad thing at all! Generally, these Thompson syrahs have been impossible to drink when young, but this one is different. It doesn't give up one ounce of intensity, but it's just a lot less awkward-and really downright charming. I see a drinking window from now through 2025.