2012 Alban Syrah Reva Estate

(raised in French oak for 44 months) Bright violet. Ripe cherry, dark berries and a hint of fruitcake on the intensely perfumed nose, and a smoky mineral quality in the background. Sappy blackberry and cherry liqueur flavors gain depth and sweetness with air. Opens up and becomes spicier on the impressively persistent, dark-fruit-dominated finish, which features supple tannins and lingering smokiness.

(raised in French oak for 44 months) Bright violet. Ripe cherry, dark berries and a hint of fruitcake on the intensely perfumed nose, and a smoky mineral quality in the background. Sappy blackberry and cherry liqueur flavors gain depth and sweetness with air. Opens up and becomes spicier on the impressively persistent, dark-fruit-dominated finish, which features supple tannins and lingering smokiness. Sep 16, www.vinous.com, Drink: 2018-2023

There are 750 cases (which means good yields for John, although any normal person would call 1.5-1.75 tons per acre financial suicide) of the 2012 Syrah Reva Alban Estate Vineyard, and it's a terrific vintage for this cuvee. Elegant, pretty, even finesse driven, with its classic marine and salty bouquet of smoke, purple fruits, olives and violets, this full-bodied Syrah has no hard edges, integrated acidity and a great finish. It's reasonably approachable now, but deserves 2-4 years of cellaring. Aug 2016, www.robertparker.com