2016 Syrah Elevacion

The 2016 Elevacion is 100% Syrah done with 100% whole clusters and natural yeasts. There is lovely density in the glass to play off the intense aromatics from the whole clusters. Lifted and gracious, with striking finesse, the Elevacion is another compelling wine from Halcón. The style remains on the nervous, edgy side, with quite a bit of peppery savoriness that comes through on the finish.

Only 50 cases of the 2016 Syrah Elevación were bottled, but for lovers of Northern Rhône-styled Syrah, this will be worth a special effort to seek out. From vine material that originates from J. L. Chave and fermented with 100% whole cluster before élevage in a neutral puncheon, the wine wafts from the glass with a youthfully reserved nose of inky black fruits, grilled meats, burning embers, dried violets and the ineffable savory aromas which define great Syrah but which defy description. On the palate, the wine is medium-bodied, with a lovely chassis of ripe, powdery tannins, a deep core of sapid fruit, succulent acids and a long, penetrating finish. Right now, it's quite discrete, but this Syrah's balance and length—as well as the quality of its tannins—give an indication of what's to come. Forget this for a good five years and profit over the next fifteen.