2021 Haynes Vineyard, Forgeron, Syrah, Coombsville, Napa Valley, California, USA

A solid, finesse-driven, seamless Syrah offering attractive violet florals, white pepper, bright red berry fruit, and meaty aromatics. Medium-bodied with the tension of a suspension bridge and built like one. Evocative layers of salty crushed stones and blood orange acidity are laced with a carbonic quality. The finish goes on for days, revealing a potpourri of dried red rose petals. It shows a playful side of cool-climate Napa Syrah, with 10 months elevage and 'Zero Percent New Oak', which is written as such on the label. 100% whole cluster. No sulphur until bottling. The Syrah vines in the Haynes Vineyard were planted in 1996 and 2000 and aged in 500-litre neutral oak barrels and 1,500-litre casks. Lawrence Wine Estates CEO Carlton McCoy pegged winemaker Nico Cueva formerly of Kosta Browne) to run the show at Haynes, giving him a blank canvas to draw upon for this Burgundian-focused programme in the heart of the Coombsville AVA. Without a doubt, one to watch.

Drink 2023 - 2043

The 2021 Syrah Forgeron emerges from a block planted in 2000. Rich, deep and layered in the glass, the 2021 is so inviting. Here, too, the stems 100%) are impeccably balanced within the wine's frame. Readers will find a potent yet delicate Syrah with a good deal of floral and spice notes, but less in the way of savory/peppery impressions.

Drink 2024 - 2033

A bright and focused red with very fine tannins that give tension and energy. Blackberry, spice and some flint. Floral, too. Medium-bodied. Vivid. Drink or hold.