2021Scarline Syrah
2021Scarline Syrah
The 2021 vintage had early bud break, small berries and clusters with low yields due to below-average precipitation and hot, windy conditions. The high temperature records in late June caused sugar advancement, but flavor development and phenolic ripeness lagged behind. Cool fall temperatures allowed flavors to catch up and sugar accumulation to plateau. White wines from this vintage are expressive, ripe, and rich, while the red wines display strong varietal typicity.
The 2021 Single Barrel Scarline Syrah is made from 100% Scarline vineyard. The vineyard sits on a limestone scar on the southwest-facing slope and tends to create wines of saturated color and intense concentration. The fruit was cold-soaked, fermented using a non-saccharomyces yeast, and left on skins for a full 30-day+ extended maceration before barreling down into a mixture of new and used French oak. After 21 months in barrel, the blend was bottled unfined and unfiltered.
The Scarline Syrah is a super dark, inky crimson in the glass. Aromas of berry compote and salami are supported by scorched earth and nori. The palate is full bodied and structured yet incredibly plush. This is decadence and elegance in one glass. Flavors of black currant, sweet tobacco and peppercorn lead to a bright fruit finish with incredible floral, mouthwatering length.
Awards & Accolades
"The 2021 ‘Scarline’ comes from a site that has two different Syrah clones planted (Joseph Phelps and Tablas Creek). The wine was stored in 75% new French oak prior to bottling. The aromatics are gorgeous with violets, black tea and Asian spices that parade with dense dark fruits and smoky accents. The palate is concentrated and heady with serious concentration and good underlying finesse. This is a Cab-lovers Syrah with its massive power. Enjoy this beautiful wine now and over the next ten plus years."
- 96 points Owen Bargreen, owenbargreen.com