Drew, Perli Vineyard Syrah Mendocino Ridge 2016

95 points Wine Enthusiast
"This Syrah is massive and steely, wrapping its concentrated black-fruit, sour cherry and black-pepper flavors in firm tannins and acidity. It has the sense of being just underripe, so there's a tension between the nascent fruit flavors and the tangy mouthfeel. Best after 2025." * Cellar Selection*

94 points Vinous
"The 2016 Syrah Perli Vineyard is simply gorgeous. Rich, powerful and unctuous, with striking fruit density, the 2016 packs a serious punch. Blackberry jam, game, licorice, cloves and new leather infuse this sumptuous yet structured, savory, cool-climate Syrah. The 40% whole clusters add dimension but are also impeccably balanced. What a pretty and distinctive wine this is."

Vinous Reverie Notes
The Perli Vineyard is 10 miles from the ocean and is perched at 2,200 feet on thin and steep north east facing slope consisting of shale, fractured sandstone and rhyolite. This distinctive cool climate Syrah is co-fermented with 5% Viognier in the tradition of the Northern Rhone. This 23 year old vineyard is farmed by Steve Alden. The McDowell selection and the 877 clone are on this site. The McDowell selection is notable as it is the oldest field selection of Syrah in North America, brought into California to the San Jose Mission in 1880 and later planted on the McDowell Ranch in Mendocino County in 1902. Tasting Notes: On the nose, blue and black fruits, cured meat, subtle white pepper, anise, black olives and iron mineral notes. On the palate, blackberry, juniper berries, prosciutto, black olives, peppercorns and black tea with a hint of orange peel. A perfect fall wine to pair with game or roasted leg of lamb.