2014 2014 Sequel

The 2014 Sequel is a sexy beast of a Syrah (there's a splash of Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend) that was brought up all in small barrels. Deep, inky colored, with a huge nose of black fruits, chocolate, smoked meats and licorice, it's a powerhouse on the palate and gives up full-bodied flavors, ripe, polished tannin and a great finish.

Musky scents of black raspberry, flowers and smoky resiny herbs. Wonderfully sweet, fat, smooth wine with terrific depth to its raspberry and spice flavors lifted by pomegranate and herbs and complicated by leather and animal nuances. (I was reminded of a Cornas from Thierry Allemand.) Not all austere for this bottling -- in fact, this is harmonious from the start. The tannins arrive late and are nicely wrapped in the wine's glyceral fruit. This highly concentrated Syrah has very good aging potential.