2012 Petite Syrah Hayne Vineyard

(14.3% alcohol; spent more than 45 days on its skins, according to winemaker Tegan Passalacqua): Saturated ruby to the rim. Complex aromas of citrus peel, dark chocolate and eucalyptus, with fruit in the background in the early going. Hugely rich, layered and deep, with dense, sweet, palate-saturating flavors of dark berries, menthol and dark chocolate. At once broad and energetic, this very powerful, lush wine finishes with thoroughly ripe tannins and outstanding length. This bottle was much fresher than a sample I tasted a year ago shortly after the bottling.

Turley's 2012 Petite Syrah Hayne Vineyard needs a lot of air to open up. It is also likely to require a considerable amount of time to fully come together in bottle. Today the tannins are imposing, even within the context of this site and wine. Raspberry jam, wild flowers, pomegranate and exotic spices add the final layers of nuance, but it is pretty clear the 2012 is showing just the barest essence of its true potential.

(14.3% alcohol): Deep, bright saturated ruby. High-toned aromas of blackberry, blueberry, tar, violet and mocha. Densely packed, supple and sweet, showing a strong component of nutty oak today. Very ripe but I wanted a bit more lift and verve. Here, too, the tannins seem a bit dry. I wonder where this can go in bottle.