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WTN: I can see Clary now

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David M. Bueker

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WTN: I can see Clary now

by David M. Bueker » Thu Jul 24, 2014 8:04 pm

2012 Arnot-Roberts Syrah Clary Ranch - USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Coast (7/24/2014)
Wondering where to find that bacon fat element in your Syrah? Look no further than this wine. From first sniff it is all about bacon. That smoky, meaty, intoxicating aroma that brings people to life, makes the 2012 Arnot-Roberts Clary Ranch an archetype for Syrah. There's no makeup, no artifice, just meat, smoke and dark, understated fruit. It's high acid, so it cuts through rich food like a knife through butter. Perhaps not for those who look for a richer experience in their Syrah, but more for those who want to touch the soul of a wine, trace it's lines, feel the inner strength rather than gawk at architecture. I want to watch this age, but I doubt I have that kind of willpower. Amazing Syrah.
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Brian K Miller

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Re: WTN: I can see Clary now

by Brian K Miller » Thu Jul 24, 2014 9:02 pm

Awesome!
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Re: WTN: I can see Clary now

by SteveEdmunds » Fri Jul 25, 2014 1:07 am

those two are really paying attention, and the results are very special
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Re: WTN: I can see Clary now

by Rahsaan » Fri Jul 25, 2014 3:22 pm

Thanks for the note, I should try this when I get back to the States. Do you know what the 2011 was like?
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Re: WTN: I can see Clary now

by David M. Bueker » Fri Jul 25, 2014 3:31 pm

2011 Arnot-Roberts Syrah Clary Ranch - USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Coast (9/6/2013)
More cracked black pepper than I could have ever imagined in a wine. There was also warm, green herbs. After some time had passed a lovely, smoky aroma was added to the mix, with a meatiness on the palate. This was a lean Syrah, but I liked the balance.

No obvious bacon in the 2011. Elements that were similar, but not adding up to the whole.

Elsewhere some other folks are citing brett on the 2012, though I did not find it horsey/sweaty at all, just pure bacon.
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Re: WTN: I can see Clary now

by Rahsaan » Fri Jul 25, 2014 3:54 pm

Thanks. Apparently the '11 is what is currently available in my local NC store, which sounds like it was not as ripe as '12, but both vintages are probably worth drinking.
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Re: WTN: I can see Clary now

by David M. Bueker » Fri Jul 25, 2014 3:56 pm

Neither vintage is what I would call ripe at all. Arnot-Roberts gets a lot of crap from the anti-IPOB types for being too low alcohol, too acidic, etc. I love the Syrahs.

Both are well worth drinking, as is the '10 if you happen to run across it.
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Re: WTN: I can see Clary now

by JC (NC) » Fri Jul 25, 2014 7:35 pm

Great note, David. I will have to see if I can obtain a bottle or two.
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Re: WTN: I can see Clary now

by Rahsaan » Fri Aug 08, 2014 11:16 pm

David M. Bueker wrote:2011 Arnot-Roberts Syrah Clary Ranch - USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Coast (9/6/2013)
More cracked black pepper than I could have ever imagined in a wine. There was also warm, green herbs. After some time had passed a lovely, smoky aroma was added to the mix, with a meatiness on the palate. This was a lean Syrah, but I liked the balance.

No obvious bacon in the 2011. Elements that were similar, but not adding up to the whole.


I had a bottle of the 2011 Clary Ranch tonight and from everything I had heard about it being one of the less-ripe CA syrahs, I was expecting something pale, tart and sour. But the color was darkish and there was a decent amount of fruit. But as you note, those herbs were so strong, they just kept reappearing every time I thought the wine might be taking a silky or seductive turn.

In the end I found the bottle interesting but am not sure I'm rushing out to buy more. Perhaps would try other vintages, although unfortunately my local shop has been finding it difficult to sell this '11 Clary and I don't think he plans to keep buying.
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Re: WTN: I can see Clary now

by Rahsaan » Sat Aug 09, 2014 11:53 pm

Rahsaan wrote:
David M. Bueker wrote:2011 Arnot-Roberts Syrah Clary Ranch - USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Coast (9/6/2013)
More cracked black pepper than I could have ever imagined in a wine. There was also warm, green herbs. After some time had passed a lovely, smoky aroma was added to the mix, with a meatiness on the palate. This was a lean Syrah, but I liked the balance.

No obvious bacon in the 2011. Elements that were similar, but not adding up to the whole.


I had a bottle of the 2011 Clary Ranch tonight and from everything I had heard about it being one of the less-ripe CA syrahs, I was expecting something pale, tart and sour. But the color was darkish and there was a decent amount of fruit. But as you note, those herbs were so strong, they just kept reappearing every time I thought the wine might be taking a silky or seductive turn.

In the end I found the bottle interesting but am not sure I'm rushing out to buy more. Perhaps would try other vintages, although unfortunately my local shop has been finding it difficult to sell this '11 Clary and I don't think he plans to keep buying.


24 hours later the 2011 AR Clary is more intriguing but still so herbal and difficult. And tonight I opened a 2011 ESJ Fenaughty that trounced all over the 2011 Clary in terms of pleasure. Such is wine!

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