2015 Reynvaan Family Syrah In the Rocks
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Tasting notes
Good ruby-red. Musky aromas of black raspberry, cassis, blueberry, licorice and bitter chocolate. A wonderfully sweet, ripe, chocolatey wine with a complicating hint of salinity to its intense flavors of black fruits, licorice, violet, game and spices. Finishes with substantial suave, fine-grained tannins, an impression of fruit sweetness that's not from residual sugar and terrific length. This vineyard suffered damage during the frost in November of 2014 and Reynvaan pulled leaves later in 2015, which he said prevented the sun from "cooking the fruit" and slowed down the ripening. Indeed, the moderate alcohol here is a definite plus. (13.2% alcohol)
Critic scores
Average Score
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
Jeb Dunnuck
More reviews and scores
Co-fermented with 6% Viognier, the 2015 Syrah In The Rocks is striking, bursting from the glass with an expressive nose of potpourri, wild plums, espresso roast and grilled meats. On the palate, it's medium-bodied, lavish and velvety, with savory flavors of roasted meats and wild dark fruits, concluding with a sapid, saline finish. While I don't think this boasts the depth and dimension of this cuvée's best vintages, it's a beautiful wine with a strong personality.
The same blend as The Contender and 94% Syrah and 6% co-fermented Viognier, the 2015 Syrah In The Rocks has a pretty, medium-bodied, elegant style to go complex notes of red and black raspberries, peppered meats, and crushed flowers. It lacks a touch of mid-palate depth but is silky, seamless and incredibly polished, and a joy to drink. It should keep for 7-8 years.