Syrah Alturas, Halcon Vineyards 2019

The 2019 Syrah Alturas is a bold, fruity wine, which is a bit out of character here, but that style works quite well in balancing the natural savoriness of this Yorkville Highlands site. Blueberry, licorice, spice, mint and tobacco lend notable exuberance to this mid-weight, nuanced Syrah from Halcon. The Alturas is a bit darker and more tannic than the Elevacion. 2024-2034

Showing beautifully, the 2019 Syrah Alturas has a touch of Hermitage in its rich, black fruit, scorched earth, bouquet garni, and smoked meat-like aromas and flavors. Showing more floral and violet notes with time in the glass, it's medium to full-bodied on the palate and has lots of grippy, almost sappy tannins, terrific balance, and a great finish. It needs to be forgotten for 3-4 years, but this beautiful, elegant, layered, concentrated Syrah does everything right.