2017 Paul Lato ‘Cinematique’ Syrah Larner Vyd. Ballard Canyon

JD97 Leading off the two Syrahs, the 2017 Syrah Cinematique comes from a great vineyard in the Ballard Canyon AVA and was destemmed and aged 20 months in 60% new French oak. Sexy notes of black raspberries, vanilla bean, bay leaf, ground pepper, and hints of crushed violets all emerge from this incredibly seamless, elegant, ethereal Syrah. Medium to full-bodied, deeply colored, and concentrated, it’s no small wine, yet it always has a graceful, elegant style that builds beautifully with time in the glass. It has enough tannins to benefit from a year or three of bottle age and will drink brilliantly over the following decade or more.
WA95 The 2018 Syrah Cinematique Larner Vineyard, co-fermented with 5% to 7% Viognier, has a deep ruby-purple color and pure scents of cassis, coffee beans, lavender, garrigue and bay leaves. The palate is full-bodied, plush, open for business and packed with ripe, chocolaty fruits. It has a firm but ripe frame, well-woven freshness and a long, flavorful finish. It’s gregarious and immediately accessible, although it will age well in bottle. Only 75 cases were made.