2022 The Contender Syrah
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Tasting notes
Pretty blackberry and violet tones are elevated by a tinge of blood orange and incense as the 2022 Syrah The Contender blossoms in the glass. It floods the palate with silken textures and ripe red and black fruits as nuances of sweet spice swirl above a collection of fine tannins toward the close. Violet and lavender tones resonate throughout the long, gently tannic finish with a bitter bite of cocoa, hints of olive and a distinct salty note that slowly fades. The Contender is a co-fermented mix of 98% Syrah and 2% Marsanne from the In The Rocks Vineyard.
Critic scores
Jeb Dunnuck
Eric Guido, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Sweet plum is the first thing that comes to mind in the 2022 Syrah The Contender, a textured, layered expression of the grape that has 2% Marsanne in the mix. Velvety, with less grip than some of its companion Syrahs in the winery’s portfolio, its tannins are more supple and velvety, and the oak well-integrated. Still, it's a full-bodied powerhouse that will age 10-12 years.