Whole clusters show right away on the nose, as the aroma of stems joins blackberries and brown sugar. The stems are strong on the palate, too, coming through as woody and vegetal, the latter showing as tobacco leaf. Blackberries are dominant, wth seared beef fat in the background. This is an interesting and complex wine. Drink with leg of lamb. Recommended. 89 points. DBH
WHO: Apsara
WHAT: Syrah
DESIGNATION: Whole Cluster
WHERE: Carneros, California
HOW MUCH: $39 (media sample)