2021 Minus Tide Valenti Vineyard Syrah [D93][TP92][WE90]

Producer: Minus Tide 
Region: Mendocino Ridge, Mendocino, California 
Varietal: Syrah 
Year: 2021 

Decanter, 93 Points 

"Compelling and highly perfumed aromas of black olives, violets, liquorice, and supple blackberry fruits nuanced by charcuterie notes lead with lifted mineral overtones. Offering classic Syrah notes leading with a serious meatiness that builds in intensity, matched by sweet cassis, brandied cherries, olive tapenade, and smoky minerals. Firm, fine-grained tannins underscore a long finish of black pepper, cardamom, earth, and crushed dried violets. Co-owners and co-winemakers Kyle Jeffrey and Brad Jonas source grapes from Valenti Vineyard, a south-facing site at elevations of 296 to 487 metres in the Mendocino Ridge AVA." 

Tasting Panel, 92 Points 

"Vineyard elevations reaching 1,600 provide the fruit for this powerful red. Pepper stands out alongside black plum and dried violets. A base of roasted coffee bean and charcuterie add to its French accent." 

Wine Enthusiast, 90 Points 

"This wine offers deeply concentrated blackberry and blue fruits, along with lots of texture from earth, clay and mineral. There is so much going on and everything is still developing. Drink or hold until 2030." 

Winemaker Notes: 

"Marked by complex savory notes of black and white pepper, dried herbs, olive tapenade, and salami, this layered, mouthwatering Syrah also has hints of cassis, dark plum, and wild blackberry. Refined tannins add to the wine’s notable structure. With beautiful minerality, intense concentration, and length, this is an elegant yet powerful expression of coastal, high-elevation Syrah." 

Alcohol: 13.4% 

*Price and availability in store may vary. Vintage date may differ from pictured.