2007 Lagier Meredith Syrah (USA, California, Napa Valley, Mt. Veeder)

This one lines up like a thoroughbred right in the gate. Pretty intense nose of infused black fruits with black cherry and cassis controlling the ride. Palate shows deftness with pure black fruits still in command. There is the already mentioned black cherry and cassis with blackberries, notes of framboise and warm blueberry pie. A very command-full wine with precision and elegance. (I opened and let breath about an hour and this sure benefited from it). Balance near perfect with complicated tannins overseeing all else. Midway I get some hints of lavender and soy. An interesting wine and unlike anything else I have encountered. Something about this one that I can't quite put my finger on it, but this rides a few different styles seamlessly and deftly; somewhere between Napa Cabernet and Napa Syrah---Pretty amazing. Finish remains true to itself and all in all a very nice package, and a thoroughbred nonetheless. 93 pts