2017 Horseshoe Vineyard Syrah

A 2.47-acre (1-ha) vineyard ranging from 1,340 to 1,600 ft (410 to 490 m) elevation facing south-west with a slope of 20%. The shallow topsoil sits on top of decomposed Monterey shale and the vines are a mix of Chave and Cote Rotie cuttings. Dark garnet. Aromas of roasted Vietnamese pork and white pepper. Beautifully savoury, meaty, umami flavours of cherry and white pepper mix with a hint of salty blueberry jam and floral notes that linger in the finish. Powdery tannins coat the mouth, while gorgeous acidity keeps the mouth watering. A stunner of a Syrah, utterly remarkable. (AY)

I'm always thrilled to see a Syrah from this estate, and the 2017 Syrah Horseshoe Vineyard comes from a great vineyard in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Beautiful Northern Rhône-like notes of black raspberries, bacon fat, spring flowers, and cracked black pepper all emerge from the glass, and this Côte-Rôtie look-alike is medium-bodied, has solid tannins, good acidity, and a great finish. It's a beautiful, complex, yet still nicely concentrated Syrah that's going to evolve for 10-12 years.

The 2017 Syrah Horseshoe Vineyard is remarkably elegant. The red fruit character almost recalls Pinot Noir, but a backbone of firm tannins brings the mind immediately back to Syrah. Flowers, black pepper, game and leathery notes all develop with a bit of coaxing. The Syrah is maybe just a bit less varietal than it often is, but that does not detract from its immeasurable beauty.