2013-2014 Cowhorn "Reserve" Applegate Valley Oregon Syrah Vertical

“Deep bright-rimmed ruby. Pungent, expansive aromas of fresh dark berries, incense and pipe tobacco, along with a smoky mineral overtone and a hint of olive that builds in the glass. Juicy and seamless in texture, offering sweet black and blue fruit, spicecake and violet pastille flavors and a deeper suggestion of candied licorice. Closes with excellent clarity and spicy lift; a floral quality lingers on the very long, gently tannic finish. This Syrah is distinctly northern Rhône in style, and while it’s approachable now, it also has the material to reward a fair amount more patience. (JR)” (01/2018)

“Black as coal, with a heavy, smoky, meaty nose, this is one of a growing number of excellent biodynamic Syrahs from Oregon. It marries tangy acids to chewy red and blue fruits, with streaks of coffee liqueur and caramel latté. Half was whole-cluster fermented, and it all spent time in 50% new French oak. (PG)” (12/2017)

“Ripe blueberry and blackberry fruit, with ample acidity, anchors this reserve. With just a hint of the natural funky character that the better Syrahs express, this high-acid example will need time and attention, as in several hours of decanting prior to drinking. (PG)” (03/2019)