Kimsey Syrah 2016

Raspberry and black truffle. Blackened tri-tip and prosciutto-wrapped grilled fig. Purity, elegance and power. Tremendous length and finesse. Blend: 96% Syrah, 4% Viognier The 2016 Syrah captures every bit of the potential I saw from barrel last year. Rich, dense and explosive, the 2016 possesses stunning intensity in all of its dimensions. Inky dark fruit, lavender, menthol and spice are boldly sketched. Savory and floral overtones add freshness and a sense of completeness to this arrestingly beautiful Syrah from Kimsey. The 2016 Syrah, which includes 4% Viognier, is inkier and more backward, with tons of blackberry and blueberry fruits, bacon fat, olive tapenade, and sappy herbs. It's incredibly youthful, almost primordial, with a full, rich, concentrated style on the palate, yet its tannins are sweet, it has terrific purity, and a great finish. The 2016 Syrah Ballard Canyon (containing 4% Viognier) has an opaque purple-black color and scents of cassis, baked black plums, black cherries and blue fruit notions with underlying spices and a strong minerally vein plus faint notes of olive and grilled meats. Full-bodied, it's got oodles of ripe fruits with firm, grainy tannins and good freshness, finishing long and minerally. Rating: 92+