Syrah 'En Chamberlin'

Score

96

"Olives in brine, chiles, pink and green peppercorns and charred rosemary on the nose. Follows through to a meaty, smoky and seriously savory palate. Some iron and rust. Medium- to full-bodied with grip and tension. Brooding. Around 70% whole cluster. From biodynamically grown grapes. Best after 2027."

Score

97

"One of the more black and blue-fruited Syrahs in the lineup in 2021, the 2021 Syrah En Chamberlin Vineyard is deep ruby/plum-hued and offers a beautiful perfume of ground pepper, liquid violets, crushed stone, and bouquet garni. It's rich, medium to full-bodied, has a concentrated, layered mouthfeel, and ripe, polished tannins. It has a little bit of Cayuse funk, but this is a pure, focused, impressive Syrah that will benefit from 2-3 years in the cellar."

Score

97

"Nuances of blood orange and sweet sage give way to seared meat, sawdust and dried black cherries as the seductively savory 2021 Syrah En Chamberlin Vineyard explodes from the glass. It's cool-toned and sleek with sinewy textures and masses of dark red and black fruits infused with licorice. Edgy tannins, a core of salty minerals and a hint of bull's blood embellish the long and structured finish. This serious rendition of En Chamberlin is transporting me to the Northern Rhône."

Score

95

"The 2021 Syrah en Chamberlin Vineyard displays a firm ruby hue with a magenta core, revealing hints of garnet at the rim. This medium-bodied wine offers a smoky, meaty profile with a broad structure and ripe, round tannins. Complex flavors, including bacon fat, spiced plum compote and savory umami essence, unfold on the palate. The finish is long and spicy, making it highly food friendly. This has me daydreaming about fire-roasted lamb chops. The wine aged for 18 months, with 15% to 20% new French oak contributing to its depth and complexity. 4,704 bottles were produced."

Score

96

"If you love black fruit, the En Chamberlin will steal your heart with its aroma of sweet Ponca blackberries. Following the Poncas are aromas of violets and honey-like red clover. There are more blackberries on the palate to accompany dark chocolate, nutmeg and black tea. Silky tannins and an elegant texture await. —M.A."

Score

95

"A distinctive and deeply structured Syrah, bursting with blueberry and raspberry flavors highlighted by bacon fat, licorice and crushed stone as this builds richness toward big but polished tannins. Drink now through 2033. From Washington.—T.F."