High Canyon Syrah

More black and blue fruits, iron, lavender, and some background meaty notes emerge from Liminal’s 2020 Syrah WeatherEye Vineyard High Canyon, a blend of 97% Syrah and 3% Viognier that spent 16 months in used barrels. With medium to full-bodied richness, a silky, elegant mouthfeel, gorgeous tannins, and flawless balance, it’s one of the true gems in the vintage. Give bottles 2-3 years in the cellar and enjoy over the following decade or more.

- Jeb Dunnuck

Very intense, the outstanding 2020 Liminal ‘High Canyon’ Syrah comes from a site near the Viognier block at the WeatherEye Vineyard. Winemaker Chris Peterson chose to co-ferment the 2020 ‘High Canyon’ Syrah with 3% Viognier in a concrete egg. Right away this shows off violets with tar, tobacco leaf and blackberry cordial on the nose. There is the faintest high-toned honeysuckle note from the Viognier that adds to the enjoyment. The palate is rich and deep, with light tannins that frame the core of hedonistic dark fruits, scorched earth and graphite undertones. This is nothing short of unbelievably good. Drink 2022-2036.

- Owen Bargreen

About 3% Viognier is co-fermented with WeatherEye Syrah from Red Mountain to give it some aromatic lift, and then it’s aged for 16 months in 40% once-filled barrels and 60% neutral French oak. Showcasing a deep purple ruby core with a neon dark pink rim, this is an almost perfect wine from Chris Peterson. I sat in awe enjoying the nose for over 15 minutes before I could even take a sip - think classic Red Mountain Syrah aromas of boysenberry, blackberry preserve, dried Red Mountain sagebrush, smoked beef, crushed black olives, powdered green peppercorn, dried blueberry fruit leather, toasted vanilla pod, and sweet baking spices. Tannins are wonderfully integrated into the backbone of the luscious acidity, and full-bodied and earth-forward finish. It’s spectacular. Get your hands on this bottle of wine before they all disappear. Just 122 cases produced. Highly recommended.

- Jeremy Young, International Wine Report

The 2020 Syrah High Canyon WeatherEye Vineyard offers a lush and plushy nose, exuding a velvety sophistication. With a delightful co-fermentation of 3% Viognier, it boasts abundant sappy fruit, including blueberry compote, intertwined with hints of spicy lavender oil. Full-bodied and fresh, it leaps off the palate with grace, promising to continue its elegant journey for a decade or more. This Syrah spent 16 months aging in 40% once-filled barrels and 60% in neutral barrels.

- Anthony Mueller, Wine Advocate

With a wine like this, I can see why everyone is talking about the WeatherEye Vineyard. This masterful Syrah has the kind of black fruit, white pepper, violets and citrus notes that first made me fall in love with Côte-Rôtie. There’s even a tiny note that smells like pork fat dripping down to hit hot coals. Editors’ Choice.

- Michael Alberty, Wine Enthusiast

The 2020 Syrah High Canyon Series WeatherEye Vineyard lifts from the glass, with cooling minty herbal tones giving way to cinnamon, clove and, finally, dried black cherry. It washes across the palate with ease, minerally intense, like liquid stone, yet fruit-centric with ripe blackberries and exotic spices swirling throughout. The 2020 stains that palate in primary concentration and grippy young tannins. Violet florals and hints of olive tapenade slowly fade. Lose this radiant beauty in the cellar for a number of years, and then reap the rewards.

- Eric Guido, Vinous

Notes of cassis and plums with sweet spices, beeswax and dried orange peel. Textured and velvety with medium to full body and firm tannins, with some chewiness to it. Mellow and rich finish. Better from 2024.

- James Suckling