Halcon 2021 Syrah “Estate” Yorkville Highlands Mendocino 94 Points

Jeb Dunnuck 94 Points: “Inky black, the 2021 Syrah Estate is resinous with pine sap, toasted black pepper oils, and black plum. Full-bodied, with a 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 the bottle, and this should be in a great place.”

Vinous 94 Points: “The 2021 Syrah is just as impressive from the bottle as it was in the barrel. A rush of dark plum, pomegranate, and blood orange fruit saturates the palate. Strong savory and floral inflections follow, all supported by beams of tannin that give the wine its shape. Floral overtones reappear on the finish, adding brightness. This site at 2,500 feet in elevation consistently turns out super-distinctive wines. Give this a bit of time.”

Winery Notes: “The 2021 vintage is the first year we had the privilege of crafting 100% Halcon Estate Syrah. The exceptionally cold and arid winter of 2021, combined with a windy spring, resulted in a reduced crop yield and smaller berries. This yielded flavors that were more mature, and concentrated, and highlighted a plethora of intense, dark fruit. This growing season proved to be exceptional, giving rise to wines that are currently vibrant and lively while possessing the potential for graceful aging.”