WTN: 2001 Edmunds St. John Syrah Peay Vineyard

[David M. Bueker]

Where is that horse headed? This started with a rather intense hit of barnyard funk to go along with dark, black fruit. Over time the complete package came more into focus, but still it was more like several disparate elements competing with each other. About an hour later the barnyard turned to leather and earth with significantly less funky presence. This wine is nowhere near ready, as its sheer weight and fruit/tannin balance leave it room for long evolution.

You can lead your horse to the water
but you can't make him drink
till he's thirsty!

[David M. Bueker]

That's code for I should have let it rest?

Judging from your note, I'd say waiting is in order. The wine is beastly large (bigger than I ever hoped it would be) and pretty well put together, so yeah, if it's going to shine, it will be later rather than sooner.

I put the 2001 Bassetti in my cellar and it can still use some time but if decanted for a few hours it's drinking pretty damn well. Not disjointed as you describe the Peay. I thought at the time the Bassetti was the better of two good wines.