2021 The Contender Syrah
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The 2021 The Contender is remarkably floral and fresh, cascading from the glass with crushed stone, blackberries, and hints of lavender and violet. This sweeps across the palate with ease, savory and nearly salty in character, with citrus-laced red and black fruits and an herbal thrust that forms toward the close. The 2021 leaves a sweet-and-sour tinge through the finish, tapering off long yet vibrant as crunchy tannins linger. A bitter citrus twang keeps the mouth watering for more. The Contender is a blend of 97% Syrah and 3% Marsanne from the In The Rocks Vineyard.
Critic scores
Jeb Dunnuck
Eric Guido, Vinous
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The 2021 Syrah The Contender is 97% Syrah and 3% Marsanne that was fermented with 30% stems and raised in 25% new puncheons and barrels. Its deeper plum/purple hue is followed by a wild nose of red plums, blueberries, ground pepper, lavender, and violets. With medium to full-bodied richness, a seamless, layered, beautifully balanced mouthfeel, and polished tannins, it's another sensational 2021 that will benefit from just a handful of years in the cellar and have 15 years or more of overall longevity.