2016 Failla Syrah Estate
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Tasting notes
A step up, the awesome 2016 Syrah Estate Vineyard comes from the Fort Ross-Seaview appellation and is another Cornas look-alike. Black olives, iodine, bouquet garni and ample pepper are balanced by a deep, rich core of darker Syrah fruit. Medium to full-bodied, structured and tannic on the palate, forget bottles for 2-4 years and enjoy over the following decade. Readers looking for a serious lineup of single vineyard Pinot Noirs and Chardonnay that have a distinctly Burgundian vibe need to check out these releases from Ehren Jordan and Savanna Wright. Failla owns prime terroirs on the Sonoma Coast, as well as has access to some of the best vineyards in the region. While these aren’t for those craving big, powerful wines, they have plenty of intensity as well as singular profiles. In addition to the Sonoma releases, Jordan’s Oregon releases and a few Rhône variety wines are also included in this report.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jeb Dunnuck
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2016 Syrah Estate is a very typical wine from this marginal, cool-climate site. Floral notes add lift and perfume to the dark plum, chocolate, savory herb, mint and lavender flavors. Long hang time yields a wine that is racy, ripe and yet also impeccable in its balance. The 100% whole clusters are evident, but not at all overpowering. Inky, powerful and savory, the Estate has so much to offer. It is another fabulous wine in this range from Failla, and a total knock-out.
The 2016 Syrah Estate is deep garnet-purple colored with baked blackberries and Black Forest cake notes with touches of black pepper, tapenade, licorice and salami. Medium-bodied with firm, chewy tannins and just enough freshness, it packs in the muscular fruit, finishing very peppery. 197 cases were made.