2016 Radio-Coteau Syrah Dusty Lane Sonoma Coast

WSI96+ VIN96 The 2016 Syrah Dusty Lane has started to come around beautifully since I last tasted it in barrel. Dark and unctuous on the palate, the 2016 has more than enough fruit to stand up to its formidable tannins. But that is just the beginning. Black cherry, chocolate, leather, licorice and spice all build as this ample, full-bodied Syrah gains volume in the glass. Wonderfully complete and memorable, the 2016 is deep, persistent and exceptionally beautiful from start to finish. In a word: superb.
Estate Notes: The 2016 Dusty Lane is a deep, concentrated expression of cool-climate Sonoma Coast Syrah. The purplish, inky hue is matched by the dark fruit on the nose, most notably blackberry, ripe cassis, and fresh black cherry. On the palate, prominent spice notes of juniper berry, black pepper, and coriander lend a savory charcuterie element. Serious layers of licorice and black olive are balanced by a perfumed mix of red and purple flowers, along with fine natural acidity and noble tannins. Striking and complex in its youth, the 2016 Dusty Lane hints at exceptional ageability for the patient admirer.

Dusty Lane winds down and around Dierke’s organically certified hillside vineyard. Tucked away on a southern facing slope, the site is consistently flushed with onshore cooling at dawn and dusk, resulting in extended flavor development and vibrant fruit character. This vineyard gem is sourced exclusively by Radio–Coteau. Following suit with previous vintages, this energetic, powerful, coastal 2016 Syrah has been polished and refined over extended bottle time. A crowd and critic darling, the Dusty Lane is a serious expression for the true Syrah aficionado.