Block 16 Syrah

The 2020 Block 16 Syrah is aged for 16 months in 24% new French oak barrels this richer, denser, and more meaty Syrah delivers everything I love about Red Mountain Syrahs. Presenting a dark ruby-purple core with a shimmering pink rim in the glass, and gifting Red Mountain notes of spiced black plum, wild blueberry, Red Mountain sagebrush, dried violet flowers, spiced vanilla, cracked black pepper, pine forest breeze, and just a smooch of barbecued brisket, it’s a treat to behold. The palate is much leaner and tighter than the nose, but it’s only because the wine needs another 3-4 years in the bottle before you are to open it. I loved the rich, dense, and focused spicy finish. A small production of 90 cases were produced. Better in 2025 and then enjoy for 15-20 years with proper cellaring. Highly recommended and Editor’s Choice.

- Jeremy Young, International Wine Report

Coming from a steep, northern-facing slope at the WeatherEye Vineyard, the 100% varietal ’Block 16’ Syrah was stored in 25% new French oak before bottling. Immediately this shows off bull's blood aromas with saline-drenched charcuterie and dense dark fruits. The palate is very savory and salty, with a terrific mouthfeel and great depth and character. Gorgeous in its full-throttle youth, this will easily go for another decade. Drink 2022-2035.

- Owen Bargreen

The 2020 Syrah Block 16 is 100% Syrah from the WeatherEye Vineyard on Red Mountain that spent 16 months in 24% new French oak. It has a sweet bouquet of blackberries, ripe blueberries, pepper, violets, and sagebrush that takes air to open up. This carries to a medium to full-bodied, concentrated, beautifully textured Syrah with ripe tannins, a good sense of freshness, and a great finish. It needs 2-4 years of bottle age but will have 15-20 years of overall longevity.

- Jeb Dunnuck

Dark and moody in the glass, the 2020 Syrah Block Highlight Series WeatherEye Vineyard Block 16 grumbles up with a bouquet of crushed ashen stones, musky black currants and savory spice. This washes across the palate with silky textural fruits, yet quickly gains tension through a core of brisk acidity and salty minerals. The 2020 lingers impossibly long, as nearly a minute goes by, and I can still feel its silty tannins and the beautiful inner floral perfumes that linger. This is a beast in need of taming.

- Eric Guido, Vinous

Emerging with captivating aromas, the 2020 Syrah Block 16 WeatherEye Vineyard's reveals notes of smoky herbs on the nose, complemented by a medley of black and blue fruit compote and hints of white pepper. On the palate, it’s medium to full-bodied, offering a fresh, firm texture that is remarkably food friendly. The wine's fine-grained tannins impart suppleness, contributing to a long, complex finish that leaves a lasting juicy and spicy impression. This Syrah spent 16 months aging in French oak barrels, 24% new.

- Anthony Mueller, Wine Advocate

Notes of ripe plums and blueberries with licorice, vanilla, violets, cocoa and wet stones. Full and structured on the palate with layers with plush, velvety tannins coating a deep core of dark and blue berries. It’s broad and complex with a lingering finish. Attractive now, but better after 2024.

- James Suckling