Date: 22 October, 2011
What: 2009 Mac Forbes Gruyere Syrah, Yarra Valley
Purchased: cellar door, $36
Food: Welsh rarebit
Comments: bought this one this arvo at Mac Forbe's "urban cellar door" in Collingwood. Good not to have to travel far for cellar door-style tastings! The syrah struck me as a bit fleshier then compared to now. Why is it that tastings are always different to the bottle at home? It has a really funky, earthy, rustic nose. Gets a touch of spice as it opens up, but still more of a (bullish) pinot stink rather than what I might expect from syrah. Bit of a linear mouthfeel. Has some damp wood, forest floor gear in the mouth with a hint of chocolate to go with some more spices (think cloves etc) but interestingly for a cool climate shiraz/syrah there is no pepper to speak of. Finishes with some length although still in the linear mould - not a fleshy finish. These wines are not quaffers in my world. This is one the wine wank, thought provoking end of the spectrum. Provoked thoughts might include "what food would I have with this next time"? And answers might be lamb (roasted), or perhaps an aged cheddar.
