2012 Efeste Syrah Ceidleigh

(27% new oak; aged in a combination of puncheons and barriques ): Healthy bright dark ruby. Alluring aromas of blackberry, licorice, violet and mint. Very suave and savory in the mouth, with nicely delineated blackberry, bitter chocolate and black olive flavors complicated by garrigue and mineral elements. Not especially opulent or open today but boasts good underlying thickness. Finishes with ripe, tongue-dusting tannins. This deep, suave, chocolatey Syrah shows the mineral influence of its Ciel du Cheval fruit, which comprises about 30% of the blend.