Sunday, August 2, 2009

Castagna Genesis Syrah

The Castagna Genesis Syrah has the potential to be one of Australia's outstanding Shirazes. It can have the weight of fruit, yet elegance and a complex texture. However, the 2002 Castagna Genesis Syrah does not quite make it.

The wine is medium to full bodied, with strong primary fruit flavours, mainly of red berries like raspberries, redcurrant and sour cherries. Definitely no plum here. The wine is not sweet, but features black pepper. It is elegant with oak taking a backroom seat. Unfortunately, the wine falls off at the finish and the fine dry tannins are somewhat short. As a result, the mouthfeel is not as satisfying as hoped. It may be a function of the cooler year and I will be interested to try the 2004 in a little while.

This wine is probably close to its peak, but will live for a number of more years.

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