2019 Arkenstone "Estate" Howell Mountain Syrah

Rhône-like complexity emerges on the nose of Arkenstone's 2019 Estate Syrah, grown at more than 1,400 feet above sea level on the western side of Howell Mountain. Savory hints of black olives, resinous herbs, cracked pepper and a touch of asphalt accent blackberry and blueberry fruit on the nose, while the full-bodied palate is ripe and rounded, mouthfilling and softly tannic yet pliant and silky on the lingering, licorice-tinged finish. With 117 cases produced, there's not much to go around, but it's a stellar example of Syrah. (JC)