2013 Radio-Coteau Syrah Harrison Grade

I was blown away by the four Syrahs that Eric Sussman is producing. One of two prodigious Syrahs is the 2013 Syrah Harrison Grade, from an organically farmed vineyard 800 feet above sea level on a ridge top near Occidental. Sussman used 45% whole-clusters and, again, bottled this wine unfined and unfiltered. It has an absolutely amazing opaque purple color, while notes of graphite, asphalt, camphor, black truffle, blackberry and cassis soar from the glass. Some meatiness is also apparent, as this wine comes across like a California version of a great Hermitage. It should age magnificently for 15-20 or more years. Sadly, there are only 140 cases of the Harrison Grade and 170 cases of the Dusty Lane, but they are fabulous Syrahs from coastal viticulture and great winemaking.

One of the more savory wines in the range, the 2013 Syrah Harrison Grade Estate emerges from the glass showing magnificent complexity.Bblack pepper, orange peel, melted road tar, game, smoke and incense meld into generous blue and purple-toned fruit. All the elements fall into place in a cool-climate Syrah endowed with tons of personality and class, not to mention considerable fruit intensity for a coastal Syrah. This is a hugely promising wine from Radio-Coteau.