Deep ruby at the core, with a slight purple edge, the 2018 Syrah Cut Bank Estate Vineyard opens with dense, dark black-fruited essences of spiced black cherry, dusty black raspberry and blackberry jus, before elements of cedar and maple float out of the glass with tones of black pepper and roasted lavender. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is compact and chewy with tight, youthful tannins in the mouth while offering flavors blackberry skin, dark plum, bitter dark chocolate and black peppercorn. The long-lingering and spicy finish ends with elevated alcohol and needs another year in bottle to come around. The wine rested for 18 months in 20% new French oak barrels. 2,904 bottles were filled.