2010 Myriad Syrah Las Madres Vineyard Esther Block

Black olives, grilled herbs, licorice and exotic spices are some of the many notes that flow from Myriad’s 2010 Syrah Las Madres Vineyard. The balance of fruit, acidity and structure is spot-on in this beautifully articulated, expressive Syrah. I imagine the 2010 will drink well for a number of years. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2024. Mike and Leah Smith’s Myriad Cellars is an up and coming winery worth keeping an eye on. Mike Smith also makes the wines at Carter. I have every reason to think he will establish the same level of quality here. Tel. (707) 287-1630

Smoky, exotic, and smelling and tasting like a young Cornas, the 2010 Myriad Cellars Syrah Las Madres Vineyard Ester Block delivers a knockout array of black currants, olive tapenade, bacon fat, ripe herbs, and earth on the nose. This is followed up by a medium to full-bodied Syrah that has loads of flavor, solid mid-palate concentration, and juicy acidity that comes through on the finish. Showing a cool-climate edge, it still has beautiful fruit and depth, as well as notable length and richness. It needs a solid decant if drinking anytime soon, and should shine for 8-10 years.