1998 Berthoud Syrah (Sonoma Valley)

Also with an Arrowood connection, the ’98 Berthoud Syrah (Sonoma Valley) is quite black and dense with surprisingly little syrah character; I might have guessed it to be an overoaked cabernet or merlot. Huge toasty oak, no acidity to speak of, very fat and flabby. One of the locals pointed out that this low-acid style is great for wines meant to be drunk on their own. OK, nice excuse. Alcohol runs well above what’s on the label, probably 14.5% or so. This will have to get about 400 points from Wine Advocate. Run right out, etc, etc, etc. I am on their list, just for the flipping potential.

SY (10/00)