Quarzo Amador Syrah

The 2016 ‘Quarzo’ Syrah is drop dead stunning. Sourced from Ann Kraemer's Shake Ridge Ranch this instantly grabs your attention with its dark inky color and vibrant aromatics of ripe black cherries, fresh violets, smoked bacon, black olives and hints of earthy minerals all exploding from the glass. On the palate this is full-bodied, fresh and layered with a center of juicy dark fruits, black olives and violets that burst on to the long supple finish. This is a total gem of a Syrah from Andy Erickson and Annie Favia that is simply delicious now, but will certainly continue to evolve incredibly well over the next decade.

It’s fitting that my 2,500th wine entry is not only a gorgeous wine, but it’s a wine that was gifted to me by my good friend @Bill Bender . The people I have met, and the people I get to share wine with often, are what make wine such a beautiful experience. Kudos to the @Delectable Wine team for this knowledgeable and wine loving community.

I’m big fan of these wines. Lots of character and beautifully crafted. This wine is no different. At 11-12 years old, this is still on the upslope (though I think it will be there soon). I opened this yesterday with no decant and was greeted by lots of sweet, dark fruit coated in dark chocolate shavings. A condensed and powerful core of dusty currants and plums with some herbs. On day two, this hit full stride...added notes of espresso, savory peppercorns with floral potpourri on a seamless and integrated palate. The fruit is so incredibly pure and juicy without being overly sweet or candied! Delicious.

Smoky, slight spice, dark fruit, black inky color

Very dark, deep color and great depth and intensity on the palate. That said, the fruit seemed faded and not too complex. Drink soon.

Beautiful label, beautiful wine. Cool and balanced Syrah with an ethereal vibe

Favia's 2011s are awesome! Nice grip, fruit, savory and texture. Bravo! Is 2015 the year of Cali Syrah??

I thought corked but was overruled by others. Just funky, concentrated. Not my style.

Lovely freshness combined with concentrated Syrah aromas and flavors. Dense, structured and loaded with spice and dark fruits on the layered finish.

Hmmm... Major disappointment here, with over-ripe black and blue berries, too much oak, lack of true structure and a cloying finish. I generally adore these wines, but this one is going the wrong way. Sad...

Big, ripe, raisinated.