A big, bombastic wine, the 2004 Syrah Poker Face blasts across the palate with tons of pure density and pure volume. Dark raspberry jam, spices, mint and wild flowers lend complexity in a pliant, inviting Syrah. This is another exceptionally beautiful wine from Manfred and Elaine Krankl. - VM
VM97
Starting off the Syrah-based wines, the 2004 Poker Face (Syrah) is aging beautifully. A blend of 96% Syrah, 2.5% Mourvedre and 1.5% Viognier (from the Eleven Confessions, White Hawk, Alban, Bien Nacido, and Alta Mesa vineyards) that was aged in 80% new French oak, it offers up a perfumed, fresh bouquet of sweet blackberry liqueur, creme de cassis, spring flowers and licorice that gives way to a full-bodied, seamless, gorgeously textured feel on the palate. Rich and decadent, it has notable, yet beautifully integrated acidity and stays remarkably fresh, detailed and even elegant. It still needs a lengthy decant to shine, and will continue to thrill over the coming decade or so. - WA
WA97