Deep garnet-purple, the 2016 Syrah is scented of blackberry pie and crème de cassis with hints of licorice, tar and chocolate box. Full, concentrated and plush in the mouth with just enough acid and tons of savory layers, it finishes long and perfumed.

Havens certainly must be one of the early pioneers of making Syrah. I think the winery, which was established in 1984, was already beginning to move in the direction of turning out Syrahs. Interestingly enough, Manfred and Elaine Krankl of Sine Qua Non made their first Rh?ne Ranger blend at Havens in the 1980s. The beautiful 2015 Syrah has an inky/purple color and is gorgeously pure with blueberry and blackberry liqueur, acacia floral notes, silky, lush tannin, a voluptuous full-bodied mouthfeel and a terrific, long, silky finish. There is no reason to defer your gratification, but I’m sure this wine will age nicely for at least a decade or more.

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