The Parsonage 2003 Cuvee Rocco: A Wine to Behold!

THE STORY

Happy New Year! Why not start off the New Year with a bang of a wine?

When we picked up our last allocation, Parsonage offered us a choice of library wines.  We chose the oldest Rocco Syrah – the 2003 Cuvee Rocco.  We learned that, when you receive a library wine, it is probably wise to drink it soon.  A rainy card-game Sunday with the Decanting Monterey Wine Pod seemed just the right occasion.  It did not disappoint.  My bottom-line up front:  If you’ve got one if these in your cellar, why wait any longer for pure enjoyment? Admire, open, pour, and enjoy!

I have a post about the Parsonage fall release coming out later this week, but did not want to bury this spectacular wine in that longer post.  (p.s. Some of you may have received that post earlier in December thanks to operator/WordPress error – you will see it again this week!)

THE WINE

Today, I am presenting just this one 20-year old Parsonage library wine. Winery notes come from their website. Any errors are mine and mine alone.

I’ve presented Parsonage to you in several prior posts and won’t repeat about them here (just type “Parsonage” in the search bar to see them all). You can check out their website here.

2003 Parsonage Cuvee Rocco Syrah, Carmel Valley AVA, Monterey County, 15% ABV, $135 (#1233)

Many thanks to Parsonage’s Summer Emmons for conjuring up this review by Kerry Winslow:

Review from grapelive.com: “A three barrel selection held back from the reserve Syrah, the “Cuvee Rocco“ is just a touch boulder and creamier than the reserve bottling and may be a little more oak driven at this stage, but it will just get better and better with a little time. Super limited and this is the first vintage it has been offered! This cuvee has sweeter fruit and is more shiraz-like with a hint of cassis and coffee with liqueur notes that are lingering. Rocco is a big wine that needs some time to settle down in your seller. 94-96 Points”

My Review: Dark garnet in the glass. Nose is very rich with notes of leather, cedar, dark fruit and wet leaves. Dark intense flavors on the palate – some cassis notes, This 20-year old “Rocco” has stood the test of time and is drinking beautifully.  If you’ve got one, why wait any longer for pure enjoyment? December 2023

THE TASTING ROOM

Parsonage is open for tastings every day – click here for the details and to make a reservation.  Hours: Monday – Friday: noon to 5pm; Saturday & Sunday: 11am to 5pm. Last seating for wine tasting: 4:15pm. You can obtain their wines directly from the winery here or at their tasting room located at19 E Carmel Valley Road in Carmel Valley Village. 

© Decanting Monterey 2023

Support Decanting Monterey’s Wine Education Efforts!