Another wine that blew me away in the lineup, the 2017 Syrah Papa's Block comes from the Russian River Valley and is 100% Syrah that saw 20% stems and 24% new French oak. Its deep purple color is followed by extraordinary notes of blue fruits, liquid violets, lavender, ground pepper, and some background meatiness. This quintessential California Syrah offers full-bodied richness, building, sweet tannins, incredible purity of fruit, and a finish that won’t quit. It’s going to be up there with some of the finest wines from California in the vintage! Bravo.

Aged in 24% new French oak, the deep purple-black colored 2017 Syrah Papa's Block (100% Syrah) features notes of green olive, peppercorn, fried sage, rosemary and cured meats with dried lilac, warm blackcurrant and black cherries. Full-bodied, it's mineral-driven in the mouth with a sanguine character, very firm chewy tannins and just enough freshness to carry the finish. 364 cases produced.