First, let me say that I have never been much of a fan of Syrah, esp any and all versions that are made outside the confines of Northern Rhône. My general issue is generally palate feel, but even when I don’t get electric shock on the palate from these wines, they tend to not do much for me past the first sip. Probably reduction is a big issue, drinking them too young is another, and then they simply don’t come across as being civilized.
The great team at Rhys recently decided to surprise me with a 2013 Horseshoe Syrah as they were generously replacing a corked 2015 Alpine, Chard. So, in the interest of full disclosure, I’m possibly slightly biased, having been so nicely treated by Jeff and Sean over the last few years.
My plan was to have a sip yesterday afternoon before going out for dinner and then consume the bottle tonight. Well, that changed very quickly. The first whiff and sip alone made me text my neighbor. He too is another heathen like me who doesn’t get Syrah. His comment after a blind taste was: This is not a cab, it has a whole cluster aromatic component, it’s definitely not PN, it’s still great! The bottle disappeared in record time. Should have kept it to myself
And it is great. Soaring aromas of green and black olives, lavender, more herbs, game, with black currants, and wild blueberries underneath what really is an incredibly complex bouquet. Palate is perfectly balanced and well rounded, quite concentrated while still being completely civilized and medium bodied. Lingering long aftertaste. Definitely a tannic edge, but still very drinkable on its own as there are no hard edges or sense of heaviness. If you have many bottles and don’t mind young wines, give I a try, but I’m sure there is no hurry and no need to pop these for another 5-10 years. I love this wine and would not hesitate to place it on par with the better wines from Côte Rôtie.