2016 Tenet Wines The Pundit

The 2016 Syrah The Pundit Columbia Valley (90% Syrah, 4% Grenache, 4% Mourvèdre, and 2% Viognier) is more streamlined yet has good complexity in its dark berry fruits, ground herbs, and peppery aromas and flavors. Medium-bodied, silky and elegant on the palate, with fine tannins, it offers plenty of upfront charm today but also has the balance and length to evolve nicely for 4-6 years. This collaboration between Chateau Ste. Michelle’s Bob Bertheau and the Rhône’s Michel Gassier and Philippe Cambie continue to produce brilliant wines. The lineup has grown to include appellation Syrah from the Columbia Valley, Yakima Valley, Horse Heaven Hills, and the Walla Walla Valley.

Bright, full ruby. Slightly reduced aromas of dark berries, dark chocolate and spices; less expressive and wild than the 2015 version was at the same stage. Concentrated, silky and fine-grained, displaying sexy spice and violet lift to the concentrated dark berry and licorice flavors. I find more sweetness and primary fruit character--and more generosity of texture--than in the 2015 version of this bottling. The long finish hints at chocolatey ripeness but also shows lovely violet lift and a fine dusting of tannins. This needs aeration or a year or two in the cellar to shed its reductive quality. (I should note that a second bottle was a bit less generous and sweet.) (14.5% alcohol)

While it's a bit dumb on the nose, reluctantly offering up notions of black pepper, lavender and dark fruit, the 2016 Syrah The Pundit is very texturally seductive, with a broad, voluptuous attack and satiny tannins. A collaboration between Chateau Ste Michelle, Michel Gassier and consulting enologist Philippe Cambie, it does display some of the style and structure Cambie is known for, but it lacks the concentration and intensity to score higher.