2009 Relic Syrah Scarpa

(from vines on Pritchard Hill; vinified with 20% whole clusters): Bright medium ruby. Perfumed nose melds blackberry, licorice and violet, complicated by black pepper and an exotic suggestion of white fruit. Dense, intensely flavored and vibrant, with a saline quality adding complexity to the dark fruit, spice and pepper flavors. Finishes sweet and long, with solid tannic support. I like what the stems provide here.