2020 McPherson Cellars Syrah Lahey Vineyards Fulton Block Texas High Plains, Texas United States

100% Syrah. Deep purple in color, this Syrah makes a bold entrance with brooding aromas of blackberry, smoke, black pepper, black cherry, raspberry, and marionberry, all wrapped in a subtle note of post-rain pavement. The nose is dark and wild, setting the stage for what follows. On the palate, it delivers chunky, layered fruit: black cherry, red cherry, red plum, black currant, blackberry, and blueberry, grounded by bramble, thyme, and cracked black pepper. Meaty undertones, smoke, pencil shavings, cooked cherry, and clove add savory depth, with a touch of dark chocolate peeking through. This dry wine has medium acidity, high fine-grained tannins, and a medium-plus body. The flavor intensity is pronounced, the texture is satiny, and the finish is long and lingering, packed with complexity and structure.