Wow!! A nose that immediately jumps from the bottle and the glass. Just pure black cherry aromas with a touch of cedar as you draw closer. The wine itself is exactly what the nose promises. A lovely display of smooth cherry fruit from start to finish with soft tannins quietly playing a supporting role. As the wine opens, the classic Lewis oak starts to show through on the palate. There is amazing harmony between the Syrah, Cabernet and Merlot for a wine so young. The finish closes with lovely milk chocolate. This is the type of well-crafted red that will make any meal special. I will hold my only other bottle, but can it get much better?

We had this a week and a half ago. We noted a little tar on the nose and some vanilla extract. The mild tannins are right on and a bit jammy. We also thought the finish was a tad short, FWIW.

Can't wait to get some "04".

Wino,
The 2004 is 70% Syrah and 30% Cabernet. Should be a somewhat different style of wine.

I bought 3 bottles of that when Lewis released it. The first one I had last November, and it was delicious but maybe a little overly rich and sweet and a touch out of balance. I had bottle number two this summer, plus ordered two bottles at Prime Steakhouse in the Bellagio for a group this summer, and the wine was brilliant. The extra time had really made a big difference and it was superb (though not a wine for the cranky wine traditionalist).

I think it will be great for a couple more years, but I don't know that it will necessarily get better, particularly if you liked it so much this time.

I wish I had more $ in the budget when the 04 was released, but I did buy 3 bottles plus one syrah.

quote:

Originally posted by miltonwine:
Wino,
The 2004 is 70% Syrah and 30% Cabernet. Should be a somewhat different style of wine.

Thanks. I think I read somewhere that this might be the best one yet. I think the 2001 scored a WS 96pts.

wineo,
they haven't even shipped mine yet!!!!!?
3alec
4 of the other
was it the 03 or 04
i don't think they shipped any 04 out east yet
wineo,
i have a few 03 left ,can open on sunday!

This message has been edited. Last edited by: bez780,

OH, I've got my own ideas for Sunday...and I'm not just talkn' about staying awake!

Well it looks like I could have made a buying strategy error. I bought 02 and 03 Alec's Blend but I only bought the 04 Hudson Vineyards Syrah. Wasn't sure about the 04 vintage for Alec's Blend and hadn't seen any reviews. Oh well, let us know as soon as you have tasted it.

Had this tonight at a local restaurant. $95.00 on the list. As soon as opened, the peppery smell just jumped right out at you, with dark fruit hidden underneath. The first glass was pure pepper, with a hint of green pepper on the finish, and was zingy (I know, a technical term, but I feeling risky tonight). Had with braised short ribs and horseradish mashed potatoes and onions and paired perfectly.

After about 45minutes to 1 hour, the pepper seem to settle down and the cabernet nose and flavor profile really came on strong, with the peppery syrah filling in the midpalate and finish.

This was a great bottle of wine, and the only thing that at all detracted from the experience was that the finish seemed to drop off a bit quickly. that cost it 1-2 points in my book. Really enjoyed this wine.

EDW- 93

Thanks, Dale