Eric Kent Wine Cellars
2007 Kalen's Big Boy Blend
Syrah, Sonoma County 

92 pts. - www.TheRhoneReport.com, November 2010
91 pts. - Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar, May/June 2010
91 pts. - California Grapevine, October-November 2010
90 pts. - Wine Spectator, June 2010
90 pts. - Connoisseurs' Guide to California Wine, July 2010

Every year around this time we start seeing articles about how this year is finally the year that Syrah is going to take off with the drinking public, and assume its rightful place alongside Cabernet and Pinot Noir in consumer’s hearts.  And every year, while Syrah maintains its loyal band of devoted followers, it never seems to catch on more broadly.  In a way, this is a shame as there are now producers making phenomenal Syrah up and down the California coast and in Washington State. On the other hand, this means that Syrah remains a real bargain in the fine wine world, with all but a handful of cult wines available for under $50, and many fabulous wines for even less.  Today we were lucky enough to snare the last few cases of the 2007 Eric Kent “Kalen’s Big Boy Syrah”, from a producer recently named by the Connoisseur’s Guide Charlie Olken as one of the California Syrah producers making “great Syrahs.” 

The Kalen’s Syrah is blended each year from Eric Kent’s finest barrels of Syrah, resulting in an expression of the best the vintage has to offer.The 2007 Eric Kent “Kalen’s Big Boy” Syrah is sourced from vineyards in Dry Creek and Bennett Valley, resulting in a wine that captures elements of both warmer and cooler climate Syrah. Dark purple in the glass, the nose is loaded with raspberry, blackberry, black licorice, cherry, black pepper and mocha aromas. The palate offers plum and blueberry flavors, along with spicy, smoky notes.  Full bodied yet with plenty of acidity, lively fruit and a long, spicy finish, this one is sure to satisfy fans of full bodied red wines looking for a wine with the balance to pair gracefully with plenty of food options.  This would be perfect with pork loin with a berry reduction, or with a pizza with plenty of basil.  This wine sells out to the mailing list most years, so take advantage of this chance to get in on one of the few cases to make it to retail sales, at a price you won’t find anywhere else!

Drinking Window: Prime drinking: 2011 to 2013 Graceful ageability: 2015+ 

Vintage:  2007
Varietal:  Syrah
Appellation:  Sonoma County
pH: 3.62
TA: 6.4 g/L
Alcohol: 14.9%
Bottling Date: March 23, 2009
Retail Release: Spring 2010
Total Produced: 293 cases

Tasting Notes  PDF

About The Winery...

Celebrating the California Vine

As a California native from a wine-loving family, I learned early that raising a glass with friends is more than a simple pleasure; it’s a chance to revel and to share, to reflect on and to celebrate the many joys of life. As it happens, while doing just that, I developed a taste for good California wine.

That's why I love making California wine. But not just anywhere and not just any wine. Sonoma County offers a diverse collection of viticultural areas that each enjoy a unique balance of sunshine, cool nights and morning fog. A balance that allows grapes to fully ripen each year while also giving them enough time on the vine to develop mature, complex flavors. When it comes to making wine, that elusive balance is perhaps the greatest California gift.

Our goal is to take full advantage of this gift. To capture the best Sonoma County has to offer in every bottle, creating wines that are proud of their bold fruit and yet still able to seduce you with their nuance and finesse. In short, wines that will keep all of us savoring — and reveling — ‘til the very last sip.

Kent Humphrey, Winemaker

To learn more visit Eric Kent Wine Cellars at www.erickentwines.com.

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