Top Ten California Syrahs - 2016

This is a blend of 54% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Merlot, 14% Syrah, 3% Petite Verdot, 1% Cabernet Franc, and 1% Malbec from Washington State. Deep garnet in color, mostly opaque and bright. The nose is nice; dusty with black raspberries, plums, spice, slight black cherries and a hint of vanilla. Soft texture with medium tannins. On the palate, black raspberries, cassis with underlying spice and slight char. Long finish. This is an easy drinking red that has some backbone and depth. Drink over the next five to seven years. Very nice on its own, this will work great with a brisket out
This is a winery only release from this winery who makes quite a few different wines only sold as such. It is cooler climate in style. Purple in color, mostly opaque and bright. The nose has boysenberries, smoked herbs, slight bacon fat and black pepper. Medium bodied. Light tannins. On the palate, boysenberries with some char. Nice finish. This is nice on its own but better with food. It went well with Indian food. Drink over the next five to ten years.
Purple/garnet in color, magenta at the rim, opaque and bright. The nose is nice with black raspberries, sandalwood, slight black pepper and roasted herbs. Firm tannins. Lovely texture. On the palate, black raspberry fruit with spice and some char. Long finish. Still youthful although progressing right along. Drink over the next ten or fifteen years. Great on its own, this worked well with roasted veggies. Expensive but not crazy for the quality.
This is in a great spot right now. Still youthful but drinking well. Purple in color, opaque and bright. The nose has black raspberries, roasted herbs and slight roasted meats. Full bodied. Medium tannins. On the palate, black raspberry fruit with underlying char. Also some black pepper. Deep. Long finish. This is near peak but should go another eight to twelve years. Very nice on its own, this would also work well at the dinner table with slow cooked meats or veggies.
Purple in color, opaque and bright. The nose has black raspberries, black pepper, slight roasted herbs and spice. Medium bodied. On the palate, black raspberries, char and slight dark chocolate notes. Nice finish. This is drinking well now and should for the next eight to twelve years. Nice on its own, this will work well with Indian dishes, too.
A friend brought this back from his vacation to Australia. My first time trying this producer. It is very distinct but comes off more Cote Rotie than what I think of when I think Aussie Shiraz. And, for that matter, why isn't it labelled Shiraz? The label calls it Syrah. In any event, an excellent wine if still young. Purple in color with a thin ruby rim, opaque and bright. The nose has black cherries, boysenberries, char, roasted meats and herbs, and slight black olive. Full bodied. Medium tannins. On the palate, this is dense but its easy to see to quality. Tasted over a couple
From Magnum and consumed over 3 days. It was great on all three but probably at its best on day 2. This is a blend of 68% Syrah and 32% Mourvedre at 15.1% abv. Purple in color, opaque and bright. The nose has black raspberries, slight plums, spice and a hint of old leather. Full bodied. Medium tannins. On the palate, black raspberries with a lush texture. Some char and spice. Long finish. This drinks easy and despite the alcohol and fruit forwardness, it is not a monster wine. Nice depth and complexity. Nice on its own, this would work well with roasted meats but worked very we
Pop and pour, this took a few minutes to open, then just kept getting better. Purple in color, ruby at the rim, opaque and bright. The nose is great; earthy with black cherries, some black raspberries, smoke and black olives. Medium bodied. Medium tannins. On the palate, this is tight but unwinds in the glass. Layers of black raspberries, black pepper, black olives and char. Good acidity. Long finish. This is not a big wine, but has all the stuffing. It still will improve a bit more. Drink over the next twelve to fifteen years. A nice match for a lamb or beef stew.
Opened this on night one. It was drinking ok, but tight. Recorked, on the counter and reopened the following evening. Much better. This is 97 to 100% Syrah with the balance, Viognier. While perhaps a "weaker" vintage and more accessible than most, this is a killer wine. Inky purple in color, opaque and shimmering bright. The nose has black raspberries, maybe some boysenberries (its a fine line), along with black pepper, black olives and slight floral notes. In the glass, an earthy note comes out. Great texture. Luxurious but energetic at the same time. On the palate, black raspbe