2005 Tua Rita, Syrah, IGT 1x750ml

Vinous 94

The 2005 Syrah is a powerful, intense wine that is in a glorious place today. Scents of leather, smoke and spices meld into a core of intense blue/purplish fruit, with pretty savory notes that develop last. The 2005 is a big, bold wine very much in the style of Suvereto that shows the more virile side of Syrah. The 2005 was aged in 100% new oak for a year, after which the wine was racked into a second set of 100% new barrels, a practice sometimes referred to as ‘200% new oak.’ All things considered, the 2005 has aged well. [Antonio Galloni, 01/12/2015]

Anticipated maturity: 2015-2020

Robert Parker 94

As in past recent years, I find the 2005 Syrah the most compelling wine in this line-up. A veritable kaleidoscope of mint, cured meats, cracked black pepper, chocolate, earthiness and dark fruit emerges from this gorgeous effort. Remarkably layered and complex in a vintage that did not favor Syrah, this sumptuous wine possesses superb balance in a full-bodied style, with beautifully integrated tannins and tons of harmony. The 2005 Syrah spent a year in 100% new French barrels, followed by a second year in 100% new French barrels, but the oak is deftly balanced. Though not inexpensive by any sane definition of the word, I consider Tua Rita’s Syrah an essential wine for any well-stocked cellar of the finest Italian wines. In just a few years it has emerged as a reference-point wine for the region, as well as Tua Rita’s top bottling. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2022. [06/01/2008]

Anticipated maturity: 2010-2022