2012 Force Majeure "Force Majeure Vineyard" Red Mountain Syrah (750ml)

Getting a few “wows” and expletives in the notes, the 2012 Estate Syrah is 100% of the variety and comes from the estate’s new vineyard perched high up on the upper slopes of Red Mountain. Reminding me of a young vintage of Guigal’s Cote Rotie La Turque, it exhibits sensational notes of black raspberry, graphite, cured meats, lavender and toasted spices. These all flow seamlessly to a full-bodied, dense, concentrated and pure 2012 that has building, fine tannin and a blockbuster finish. Give it 3-4 years in the cellar, and enjoy bottle through 2032. 97+ (JD)  (6/2015)

From this winery’s young estate vineyard, this displays aromas of crushed rock, plum, raspberries and herbs along with coffee accents. It’s rich and concentrated with layers of red and black fruit flavors. A firm squeeze of grainy tannins could use additional time to unwind. It will be best from 2020 to 2025. (SS)  (9/2015)

Dense and taut, with a tart edge to the raspberry, cherry and spice flavors as they play against firm tannins and linger on the finish. Best after 2016. (HS) (6/2015)

Bright ruby. Blackberry, violet and licorice aromas are complicated by hints of pepper and game. Savory, fine-grained and concentrated, offering well-delineated flavors of dark berries, gunflint, lavender, bitter chocolate and licorice. Quite suave in texture if still a bit clenched on the back end. The wine's dark berry intensity and noteworthy energy suggest that it will evolve gracefully in bottle. (ST)  (9/2015)