Coeur d’Alene 2005 Opulence Syrah (Washington)

Country: US / Opulence
Variety: Syrah Washington
Winery: Coeur d’Alene / Washington

Opulence is the winery’s reserve Syrah, and it is a robust, tooth-staining wine that takes no prisoners. Dense scents suggest a pig roast on a pile of licorice sticks; the aromas are almost visceral. The fruit has been very well handled and the tannins, though full and powerful, have been polished to a satiny sheen. There’s a little chalkiness to the finish, perhaps from acidification, but that may well resolve with a little more bottle age.