I always think of Paul Lato’s Syrah from this Ballard Canyon Vineyard as the benchmark, but McPrice’s 2016 Syrah Larner gives it more than a run for its money. Made from 100% Syrah that was 25% destemmed and brought up in 45% new barrels, this brilliant effort boasts a heavenly bouquet of crème de cassis, white pepper, spring flowers, licorice, and toasted spices. With full body, no hard edges, and remarkable purity and elegance, this is unquestionably the finest Syrah from this estate to date. It needs a decant if drinking any time soon and should keep for 8-10 years in cold cellars. Hats off to the team at McPrice Myers. This estate hit a home run with these latest 2016s, and the charming, more supple style of the vintage worked perfectly with the more savory, classic style preferred by McPrice Myers. These are unquestionably the finest wines I’ve tasted from him, and readers should snatch up these wines. (JD)