A dead-ringer (at least aromatically) for Guigal’s single vineyard Cote Rotie La Mouline, the 2002 Just For The Love of It is the greatest California Syrah I have yet tasted. A one-thousand case blend of 96% Syrah, 2% Grenache, and 2% Viognier, it is nearly equal parts Alban, Bien Nacido, and Stolpman fruit with a small amount from both Shadow Canyon and White Hawk. It boasts a provocative perfume of creme de cassis, toast, blackberries, licorice, barbecue spice, and exotic floral scents. Extremely full-bodied, with fabulous intensity, great purity, awesome length, and a finish that lasts over a minute, this classic is a must purchase. Already accessible, it will drink well for 10-15 years.

2002 Just For The Love Of It is a blend of 96% Syrah, 2% Grenache, and 2% Viognier, the fruit sources being 29% Alban Vineyard, 27% Bien Nacido Vineyard, 21% Stolpman Vineyard, and 15% White Hawk Vineyard. The wine was aged for around 19 months, mainly in new French oak barrels (73%), with 14% new American oak and 13% used barrels. Deep garnet colored with a hint of brick in the rim, it charges out of the glass with maturing, ready-to-kickass scents of boysenberry preserves, dried plums, and mulberries, followed by hints of bacon fat, incense, cigar box, iron ore, and candied violets. The full-bodied palate shimmers with vibrant black fruits and tertiary sparks, lifted by a refreshing backbone, finishing with a velvety texture and great length. 1020 cases, 180 magnums, and 104 double magnums were made. Stunning to drink right now, this still has a good 10-12+ years of cellaring potential.