Garretson Aisling Syrah 2004

Syrah/Shiraz

92 Robert
Parker

3.3 Good (5)

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Garretson Aisling Syrah 2004 Front Label

Product Details

Varietal

Syrah/Shiraz

Producer

Garretson

Vintage

2004

Size

750ML

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Somm Note

Winemaker Notes

Our Aisling (pronounced ‘ASH-ling') Syrah serves as a stylistic counterpoint to all the other Syrahs we produce. The other Syrahs in our portfolio come from cooler vineyard sources, whereas Aisling is from slightly warmer sites. All of our other Syrahs have a little bit of Viognier added to the final blend. Not Aisling. It's always 100% Syrah. And while all of our other Syrahs utilize French cooperage, the Aisling is always partially barrel fermented and aged in American oak…usually 50% to 70% new.

When we describe our production protocol for the Aisling, many people immediate assume that this wine will be in an ‘Aussie' style. After all, most of the finest Australian Shiraz are a blend of Syrah vineyards, partially barrel fermented and aged in American oak, etc. While the protocol is similar, the end result usually has more in common with the Northern Rhône appellation of Crozes-Hermitage.

Our Aisling showcases aromas of Herbes de Provence, earth, cherry and spice, and flavors of kirsch, plum, minerals, blueberry and pepper. The palate is rather immense and extracted, but there's good acidity and finely-integrated tannins that keep it all in check.

When it comes to our two blended vineyard Syrahs, there's a basic rule of thumb. If you're a Francophile chances are that you'll enjoy our Craic. If, on the other hand, you enjoy bigger, bolder, New World wines, the Aisling will be more to your liking.

Aisling is a Gaelic word that means ‘dream' or ‘vision', and describes a Syrah that follows a decidedly different vision than our other Syrahs. And different is good.

"Smoky, peppery, and earthy is the 2004 Syrah The Aisling (100% Syrah). It exhibits tremendous depth, richness, and full-bodied power as well as a long, textured, heady finish. Consume it over the next decade."
-Wine Advocate

Professional Ratings

92 Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

Garretson

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The fact that Paso Robles has emerged as California’s leading “Rhône Zone” can be attributed in no small measure to the efforts of Mat Garretson. This former Atlantan was already a fan of Syrah, but it was his introduction to Viognier that opened his eyes to the entire spectrum of this exotic family of grape varieties. "In 1982, a fellow retailer gave me a bottle of wine labeled ‘Condrieu’ as a birthday present," recalls Garretson. "I wasn’t too impressed...until I opened the bottle." That bottle sparked an obsession so complete that Garretson is often referred to as ‘Mr. Viognier’ by his fellow winemakers.

Garretson Wine Company’s focus is solely on crafting the best Rhône wines possible. In honor of the couple’s shared heritage, each wine features some manner of Gaelic-inspired reference. "You may not be able to pronounce the names," admits Garretson, "but remember, you don’t pronounce wines. You drink them."

While over the years Garretson has been no doubt instrumental in bringing fellow wine drinkers into the Rhône wine fold, he still feels a strong sense of obligation to keep spreading the word. "If I hadn’t been given that bottle of Condrieu so long ago, all of this may never have happened," he insists. "That one bottle led me to California, led me to a wonderful woman and an incredible family...not to mention all of the friends I’ve gained along the way. Just think: perhaps a bottle of one of our wines might just have the same affect on someone somewhere. That would be the finest honor we could hope for."

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HNYGWCSHA04C_2004 Item# 95543