Halcon Syrah

So what?

"The label focuses primarily on the estate Halcon Vineyard, which is in the Mendocino Appellation of the Yorkville Highlands, roughly 60 miles north of St. Helene. The site was planted by Paul in 2005 and sits at an elevation of 2,500 feet above sea-level, making it one of the highest vineyards in California. Covering 15 acres planted mostly with Syrah (there’s a little Viognier, Grenache and Mourvèdre), it’s a tiny, fringe site open to the Pacific Ocean on the west which shares lots of similarities to the northern Rhône: Cool temperatures (it’s above the fog line so it sees plenty of sunshine), long hang time, rocky, schist soils, and ample daytime breezes. All of this comes through in the wines and all the releases from this vineyard have a similar cool-climate, spicy, pepperiness – as well as a graceful texture and inherent elegance – that’s reminiscent of a Côte Rôtie from the Côte Blonde lieu-dit." - Jeb Dunnuck, 94 pts

 Inky black, the 2021 Syrah Estate is resinous with pine sap, toasted black pepper oils, and black plum. Full-bodied, with gripping structure and good acidity throughout, it has an earthy profile of turned soil, black tea, and cherry pit. Offering a fresh lift of acidity, there seems to be a lot of potential here. Give it another 6-12 months in bottle, and this should be in a great place.