2015 Efeste Syrah Red Willow Vineyard Eleni

(14.9% alcohol): Saturated dark ruby. Pungent oak dominates aromas of blackberry, spices and licorice; the most medicinal of these 2015 Syrahs as well as the most obviously oaky. A surprisingly smooth, fine-grained midweight with a distinct reserve to its black fruit and spice flavors; more medicinal and bound-up than gamey or wild. A bit racier and higher-pitched than the Ceidleigh Syrah, and less sweet--is this less pliant because it was destemmed? Finishes with serious tongue-saturating tannins and a hint of youthful bitterness. Still a baby--and likely to exceed the 2014 version with several years of bottle aging.