2016 Carlisle Syrah James Berry Vineyard

Crème de cassis, dry-aged beef, candle wax, and honeyed flower notes all soar from the glass of the 2016 Syrah James Berry Vineyard. Deep, seriously full-bodied, opulent, and unctuous, yet with incredible purity of fruit, it has integrated acidity, fine tannin, and a blockbuster finish. It's one of the most opulent, hedonistic wines in the lineup from Mike, yet it still stays pure, elegant, and balanced, which are the hallmarks of the 2016s from this estate. Winemakers Mike Officer and Jay Maddox have hit pay dirt with these latest 2016s and across the board, they’re the finest set of releases I’ve tasted from this estate. While Mike’s wines are always deeply colored and powerful, the more elegant, balanced style of the 2016 vintage is front and center and these 2016s just glide over the palate, with perfectly integrated fruit, tannin, and acidity. In addition, most are approachable today given their purity of fruit, yet they’re going to evolve beautifully on their balance. Hats off to the team here and readers should not miss these wines!