Decanted 2 hours. Paired with chili rubed roast pork loin finished with a barbecue glaze.

14.2% alcohol.
Dark purple all the way to the rim. Strong nose of black coffee, black raspberries and creosote. Very tight and tannic, even after two hours in the decanter. Mouth stripping power. Hot and spicy despite being only 14.2 %.

If there was ever a wine that proved the benefits of decanting, this was it. My last glass, three hours in, was an entirely different experience from the wine consumed between hours 2 and 3. Fruit was finally revealed, and this became much more pleasurable. Had I not experienced this change, I would have scored it an 84 PTS. But after 3 hours, my score jumped up to 87 PTS. But leave this alone for at least 3 years, or be prepared to decant for no less than 3 hours, with 5 hours being more highly recommended.

Thanks for the TN. I posted one of the 98 in December, with similar findings. Still too young.

Here's the link if you're interested:Phelps 98 Syrah

There's a lot of love in the room tonight.