2016 Jaffurs Syrah Upslope
Estimated value
Buying options
Tasting notes
The flagship of the estate is the 2016 Syrah Upslope, which checks in as 98% Syrah and 2% Viognier from a mix of Bien Nacido, Larner, and Kimsey Vineyards. Fermented with 70% stems and aged 22 months in 50% new French oak, it offers a brilliant bouquet of spiced plums, blackberries, salted meat, tapenade, and peppery herbs. Rich, medium to full-bodied, and concentrated, with building tannins, it's another flawlessly balanced, elegant, layered Syrah that stays focused and tight on the palate, yet still offers another dimension compared to the other single vineyard releases. Do your best to hide bottles for 3-4 years and it's going to cruise over the following decade. Now run by the Green Family, Jaffurs continues to produce classic California wines that always deliver plenty of fruit and texture yet stay balanced and lively. While I think the Rhône varieties are the gems here, they fashion two terrific Pinot Noirs as well.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jeb Dunnuck
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2016 Syrah Upslope is dense, powerful and super-concentrated, not to mention incredibly delicious. This six-barrel blend from Bien Nacido, Larner and Kimsey has so much to offer. Readers should expect a heady, sumptuous style. Even with all of its intensity and muscle, the 2016 remains beautifully proportioned and balanced.
The deep ruby-purple colored 2016 Syrah Upslope contains 2% Viognier and is scented of white pepper and blueberry, olive, salami, bacon fat, baked blackberries and black cherries with blue fruit preserves and lovely floral accents. Full-bodied, luscious and savory in the mouth, it has firm, chewy tannins and good freshness to counter, finishing long. This is a beast and is still showing some new oak, but it has the fruit to soak it up. So, give this plenty more time in bottle.