The 2020 Clos du Lican Syrah, hailing from the Apalta sub-region in Chile's Colchagua Valley, presents a compelling profile for wine enthusiasts. This red wine, produced by Clos du Lican, is 100% Syrah and has a notable alcohol content of 15.0%. The wine is sealed with a cork, ensuring traditional preservation methods.
James Suckling awarded this wine an impressive score of 99 points. He described it as having "wild herbs with a grilled tarragon note, white pepper and violets to the blue fruit and black cherries." Suckling also noted a "hint of iodine and seaweed," indicating complex, layered aromas. On the palate, he found it "concentrated and really refined with super polished tannins," culminating in an "ultra-long, fresh and ethereal finish." Suckling praised the wine's fine oak touch, which he felt highlighted the purity of the blue fruit, and remarked that it is "more dialled-back and elegant than 2019." Suckling recommended drinking this wine from 2025 onwards.
Vinous, another reputable source, gave the 2020 Clos du Lican Syrah a score of 94 points. According to reviewer Joaquín Hidalgo, this wine is distinctive for its "intense, alluring nose" featuring "raspberry jam and graphite over a layer of cigar box and hints of herbs." The wine’s color is noted as purple, with a ripe and broad profile. Hidalgo highlighted the wine’s "precise acidity and grippy tannins," describing the palate as complex with a "hollow core" and an "intense, complex, fruity finish." He characterized it as a "sun-kissed Syrah from a warm year," giving insight into the climatic conditions that influenced the vintage.
In summary, the 2020 Clos du Lican Syrah is distinguished by its complex aromatic profile and refined palate. High praise from both James Suckling and Vinous underscores its quality, making it a noteworthy choice for Syrah aficionados. With only 4,543 bottles filled, it is a relatively limited production wine, adding to its appeal for collectors.