Harvested on September 19th, which is the earliest harvest to date, the 2014 Syrah Alturas includes a small amount of cofermented Viognier and spent time in 20% new oak. It offers a sensational bouquet of black raspberries, caramelized black cherries, bouquet garni, smoked duck and chalky minerality. This gives way to a rich, full-bodied Syrah that has beautiful fruit, polished tannin and a seamless elegance that keeps you coming back to the glass. Hats off to winemaker Paul Gordon, this is easily the finest Syrah I've tasted from him.