The Contender Syrah

Solid. Nice stuff.

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.

Nice stuff. Corona protector.

Distinctly northern Rhône

Very good but still needs more cellar time or lots of air

Drinking well.

Better than when I had it the last time. More savory than Californian counterparts. A little too high on the graphite for my taste.

Admittedly not a huge white wine drinker, this may change that. On the nose this fantastic bouquet of honeysuckle crushed rocks with green apple skin and a mineral undertone. Such a crisp lip smacking wine when you take a sip. This is a perfect summer hot ass day wine it’s insanely refreshing and delicious. Will have to find more

“American Rhône.” medium bodied, minerals and graphite with blackberry.

Was great — lots of graphite and some bacon smoke. Very very tasty.