TN: 2001 Edmunds St. John Bassetti Vineyard Syrah (San Luis Obispo)

[David M. Bueker]

Opened blind alongside several Northern Rhone wines this seemed the most Rhone of all of them. It started out with quite the whiff of the horse headed the other way (there was a hilarious discussion between a couple of guys with farming background at the tasting about the aromatic qualities of various animal manures - apparently chicken is the worst.), but after about 40 minutes or so that blew off quite a bit and the wine showed lots of velvelty red and black fruit with well balanced structural elements. It's drinking very well now, but it has the balance and fruit to age for a (long) while longer.

This was the 4th time I had the '01 Bassetti, and the 1st time I noticed that strong barnyard aromatic note. It did blow off though, so no issues there.

Hey Steve - the '01 Bassetti got me thinking about the '01 Peay. How's that one doing these days?

David; Haven't had one in quite a while. Maybe somebody else can report.

I had a peay just this afternoon. Thought Steve quite making wines and was selling Sauvignon Blancs for the Loire, read it somewhere.

David,
I have my '01 Bassetti marked to drink starting this year but to go another 10 years minimum. Only have 4 bottles so would you open one this early?

Walt

[David M. Bueker]

I've had two bottles of Bassetti in the last 3 months and really enjoyed both. My bottle (very well cellared since release) was much less advanced and could have used 2 more years or so. The bottle the other night (bought at retail a month ago by a friend) was ready to go.

My favorite of the ESJ wines, at least so far. I have almost a case, sounds like it's coming around. Nice to hear.