2010 Andrew Murray Watch Hill Syrah Magnum

The Watch Hill Vineyard lies in the cool reaches of the Los Alamos Valley. The grapes are allowed to reach very high maturity levels, while retaining a stunning natural acidity due to warm, sunny days and cool nights, and soils rich in sand and calcareous material. This results in a classic, cool-climate Syrah that is refreshing, rather than heavy or cloying.  This wine just begged for a little something extra, and 3% Viognier delivered by lifting the nose and by helping to keep this Syrah remain yummy and distinctive.  The aromas and flavors lean toward bright red fruits...cherries, raspberries, currants, and cranberries, with just a touch of a floral/violet note (from the Viognier) with a spicy note dominated by fresh black pepper and a dose of sweet French oak. This wine is quite quaffable now, but you will be rewarded if you wait 2-7 years to drink this one.