Timbervine vineyard is named for the dense, mixed forest surrounding the dangerously steep mountain that the vineyard sits upon. Like this forest, the wine is a dense mixture of aromatic species — mostly the thick, dark, brooding type. It’s best consumed alongside fare found therein: Wild game and mushrooms.

I might also be accused of leading off our 2008 Syrah releases with our most powerful bottling here. It is the one that ‘bounced back’ the most effortlessly, so I decided that it volunteered to go first. My favorite part of this vineyard’s character is the deep, brooding darkly lit flavors it contains. It’s less about the high tones and perfumes like 2007 ‘Sasha’ but more about the earth, mushroomy side of the grape. Some pepperiness and telltale violet (think black violets, if there was such a thing) come into play on the finish. It is our last, and I think finest effort with this vineyard. I thank Joe Mesics, late owner of the vineyard for the opportunity. RIP Joe, amazing stuff. 95 cases produced

Stephen Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar
Bright purple. High-pitched aromas of black raspberry, violet and cracked pepper show very good clarity and power. Deep dark fruit flavors are surprisingly lithe and nervy, with smoky herb and olive nuances adding a serious touch on the back half. Soft tannins add grip to the long, spicy, smoky finish. this will be the last vintage for this wine at Scherrer. 92 points. Josh Raynolds May 2012