Deep bright ruby with staining edges.  12 years old, REALLY?!?  Massive wet charcoal, burnt rubber, wet leather nose with shadows of incredibly ripe–almost baked–fruit glistening below.  Not baked in a maderized or oxidized way by any means.  Just carmelized, perhaps.  Bouquet is so complex–huge, really–but at the same time restrained.  You really half-expect upon tasting for it to be this massive over-burdened fat wine, but it is surprisingly thin on the palate.  The fruit is present–but dusty–but the whole package fades away over the mouth into graceful acids and mild tannins.  Glad I have a couple of these.  Wonder what the last one will taste like in another ten years?  The posted ABV should be very interesting on this.  I’m going to say 14-2.  An incredibly well-made wine if you like a dense, dark earthy SY without gobs of cloying fruit.

2001 CORDON Syrah Great Oaks Vineyard Santa Ynez Valley Santa Barbara Co. 14.0

www.cordonwine.com/