2012 Qupé Syrah Sonnie's Sawyer Lindquist Vineyard

Demeter-certified biodynamic vineyard, and this is their top wine from this vineyard. Mid crimson. More peppery and savoury than the Central Coast Syrah but still red fruited – cherry and spice. Deep and darker on the palate, great integrity of flavour here, sweetly spiced on the finish. Supple, long and satisfyingly chewy. (JH)

A huge powerful wine, the 2012 Syrah Sawyer Lindquist Vineyard Sonnie's hits the palate with massive dark red and black fruit, smoke, tobacco, game, licorice and smoke. Not a shy wine by any means, the 2012 is ample and virile, with plenty of tannin, but less in the way of finesse. It will be interesting to see if the 2012 acquires a bit more nuance in bottle.