Syrah 'En Chamberlin'

Score

98

"Dark and earthy in the glass, the 2022 Syrah En Chamberlin Vineyard smolders with a beguiling bouquet of undergrowth, wet stones, and black cherries. It's slightly backward today, with stony mineral tones and soothingly round textures hosting a mix of graphite-infused wild berries and sage that swirl throughout. Exceptionally long, structured yet balanced, the 2022 echoes with blue and purple inner florals, leaving a tart sensation on the mouthwatering close. It's harmonious to the core. What a gorgeous wine."

Score

97

"Rich and detailed, with compelling flavors of raspberry and huckleberry laced with tapenade, lavender, river stone and black olive as this builds a plush texture on the savory finish. Drink now through 2035. From Washington. —T.F."

Score

96

"This has an earthy, savory profile with aromas of smoked bacon, plum skins, charcoal, black peppercorns and stones. Full-bodied and wide on the palate with massive, compact tannins. It's refined and textured yet finishes tight and firm, lingering with notes of iodine and seashells. From biodynamically grown grapes. Better from 2028."

Score

96

"The 2022 Syrah En Chamberlin Vineyard has tension and dark fruit character for days, evoking meaty butcher shop in its layers of sanguine bacon fat and petrichor. Spicy and brooding, its tannins are broad-shouldered and long, gripping the palate through the peppery finish. Cellar through 2042."

Score

97

"One of the more black and blue-fruited Syrahs in the lineup in 2021, the 2021 Syrah En Chamberlin Vineyard is deep ruby/plum-hued and offers a beautiful perfume of ground pepper, liquid violets, crushed stone, and bouquet garni. It's rich, medium to full-bodied, has a concentrated, layered mouthfeel, and ripe, polished tannins. It has a little bit of Cayuse funk, but this is a pure, focused, impressive Syrah that will benefit from 2-3 years in the cellar."

Score

97

"Nuances of blood orange and sweet sage give way to seared meat, sawdust and dried black cherries as the seductively savory 2021 Syrah En Chamberlin Vineyard explodes from the glass. It's cool-toned and sleek with sinewy textures and masses of dark red and black fruits infused with licorice. Edgy tannins, a core of salty minerals and a hint of bull's blood embellish the long and structured finish. This serious rendition of En Chamberlin is transporting me to the Northern Rhône."

Score

96

"Olives in brine, chiles, pink and green peppercorns and charred rosemary on the nose. Follows through to a meaty, smoky and seriously savory palate. Some iron and rust. Medium- to full-bodied with grip and tension. Brooding. Around 70% whole cluster. From biodynamically grown grapes. Best after 2027."

Score

96

"If you love black fruit, the En Chamberlin will steal your heart with its aroma of sweet Ponca blackberries. Following the Poncas are aromas of violets and honey-like red clover. There are more blackberries on the palate to accompany dark chocolate, nutmeg and black tea. Silky tannins and an elegant texture await. —M.A."

Score

95

"The 2021 Syrah en Chamberlin Vineyard displays a firm ruby hue with a magenta core, revealing hints of garnet at the rim. This medium-bodied wine offers a smoky, meaty profile with a broad structure and ripe, round tannins. Complex flavors, including bacon fat, spiced plum compote and savory umami essence, unfold on the palate. The finish is long and spicy, making it highly food friendly. This has me daydreaming about fire-roasted lamb chops. The wine aged for 18 months, with 15% to 20% new French oak contributing to its depth and complexity. 4,704 bottles were produced."

Score

95

"A distinctive and deeply structured Syrah, bursting with blueberry and raspberry flavors highlighted by bacon fat, licorice and crushed stone as this builds richness toward big but polished tannins. Drink now through 2033. From Washington.—T.F."

Score

96

""The 2020 Syrah En Chamberlin Vineyard is youthfully restrained"

Score

95

""Roasted thyme"

Score

95

""Ripe black raspberries"

Score

95

""This full-bodied Syrah punches with bold blackberry and pancetta aromas"

Score

92

""Supple and rich"

Score

97

Score

94

""Shows fine detail and expression"

Score

93

""Editors Choice: The aromas jump out of the glass"