Jay Kline

9.6

Popped and poured; enjoyed over the course of two days. Consistent both days though more of the typical Syrah characteristics seemed to be more pronounced on Day 2. The 2017 “Judge Family Vineyard” pours a deep, ruby purple color with a near opaque core; medium+ viscosity with significant staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is developing with heady notes of black and blue fruits: blackberries, mulberries, Marion berries, blueberries, and plums along with black pepper, olive brine, incense, new leather and fine baking spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long and immensely satisfying. This continues to be an utterly delicious example of Syrah from the New World with unmistakeable nods to the Old World. At this point, it still continues to benefit greatly from a few hours of air. Drink now with lots of patience and through 2037. — 4 months ago

Paul T HB

9.7

It’s getting into the zone now.
Jeb 98, not sure any Myriad Syrah received that high of rating, but it is Jeb🤷🏼‍♂️

According to Jeb, Along with the 2013, the 2016 Syrah Judge Family Vineyard is up with the greats, and I’d put this up against any Syrah in California or France. Offering incredible purity of fruit as well as notes of blueberries, blackberries, crushed flowers, gamey meats, and pepper, it’s more forward and opulent than the 2015 yet has fabulous depth and concentration, ripe tannins, and a finish that won’t quit. Hats off to Tynan for another insanely good Syrah that can be drunk today or cellared for 20 years or more. — 3 years ago

Jay Kline

9.1

My first Reynvaan and I had high expectations. I poured this directly after the M.C.K. by K Vintners and it was a contrast of New World Syrah. While the M.C.K. was a black pepper bomb, this was a lavender bomb. The copious amount of lavender, was accompanied by soft blue fruits and grilled meat. For me, a step up from the M.C.K. in terms of refinement but not to the level of what I’ve experienced lately by the New World Syrahs from Christopher Tynan, and similarly far from what I expect from the great Syrahs from the Northern Rhône. Compared to the former, it lacked the complexity, power and structure. Compared to the latter, it lacked the nuance, verve and sense of place. A very good wine....but hard to justify the tariff IMO. — 5 years ago

Jay Kline

9.4

Popped and poured. The 2018 “C. Corbett Family Vineyard, Hillside Blocks” pours a brilliant ruby color with a deep but transparent core; medium+ viscosity with moderate staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is youthful with notes of bright Morello cherry, cassis, tobacco, some light pyrazines, dried dusty earth, and soft baking spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannins and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes form the nose. The body is firm and lithe; more like a welterweight. Think Bud Crawford rather than Muhammed Ali. The finish is long and has some real bounce in the step! For me, this is not so much a Bordeaux wannabe as much as a classically-styled California Cabernet that reminds me of the way wines were produced 40+ years ago. Whatever Tynan is trying to do with this wine, I want more of. This is so easy to love. Drink now through 2043. — 9 months ago

Billy L.

9.5

PNP, much more evolved since my last visit with this wine; after 20 minutes in the glass wine was singing & rock In’ 🎼🎸! Classic Oakville To Kalon notes, loamy, deeply concentrated dark black & blue fruits. Winemaker-Chris Tynan hits a home run here! Cheers!🍇🍷👍🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 — 4 years ago

Paul T HB

9.7

Another 3rd day with 3 hour decant bottle 👍🏼 — 4 years ago

Jay Kline

9.3

Popped and poured; consumed over two days. Consistent notes throughout. The 2018 Domaine Jean-Louis Chave "Saint-Joseph" pours a deep purple color with an almost opaque core. Medium+ (high?) viscosity with significant staining of the tears. On the nose, a little reductive and loaded with black, blue and red fruits, deli case, black olives, cocoa, purple flowers and baking spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannins and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long, rich and savory. Alcohol is high but it's in balance. This was a great pairing with grilled lamb chops. Drink now with patience or enjoy through 2038. FWIW, this bottle was enjoyed alongside a 2016 Christopher Tynan Syrah "Judge Family Vineyard" and while this bottle of Chave Saint-Joseph was really, really good. The Tynan was special. — a year ago

Jay Kline

9.2

It’s been a few years since the last Christopher Tynan NV (Le Sucrier Velours) and I’ve had a hankering. Lo and behold, “L’Enclume de Velours” gets dropped in 2020 and I was so excited to try it. Popped and poured. The wine pours a dark ruby, bordering purple with a deep, nearly opaque core. Significant staining of the tears; medium+ a viscosity. High intensity. The nose is highly perfumed and full of red and blue fruits: cherries, blueberries, figs, bacon fat, purple flowers, some pyrazines, vanilla, baking space, and a little bit of olive. On the palate, the wine is dry with dusty tannins and medium+ acid. The aforementioned mixed fruit set is confirmed along with cassis and tobacco and a hit of vanilla and baking space. The finish is very long and velvety. Overall, a very luxurious experience for an NV…but when you consider the source, it’s not hard to justify. Another Tynan NV, another banger. I’m so happy he makes wines like this at this price. Bravo. This is a multi-vintage blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah sourced from the Meleagris and Judge Family vineyards respectively. — 3 years ago

Billy L.

9.1

Meh...expected more, etc. David Abreu Thorevilos & Madrona Ranch Vineyards grapes, Cliff Lede: Chris Tynan-Winemaker. Poor QPR IMO. Cheers 🍇🍷 — 5 years ago

Jay Kline

9.3

No formal notes as I drank this bottle in a line-up of other great wines but oh man, woman and child...these are killer right now. Balance and authenticity typical of McHenry; leaning more towards the darker edge of the red fruit profile. This has depth that I rarely find in Pinot Noir short of drinking one of Hubert Lignier's stunners from M-S-D. I realize that seems like an exaggeration but it's the honest to God truth. Structure that will allow this to last for another decade and possibly longer. My WOTN with the 2014 Rafanelli Zinfandel and NV Christopher Tynan "Le Sucrier Velours" a close second (or third, if you will). Only 96 cases produced. — 5 years ago