2016 Arnot-Roberts Syrah Clary Ranch - USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Coast (12/9/2022)
Decanted six hours in advance, as these A-R Syrahs crave oxygen. When I gave it a quick taste on opening it was firm but not shrill. Six hours later that description largely held true, but the fruit started to unclench a bit. Still a bit austere, but very meaty/smoky in classic Syrah style. Tannins quite drying on the finish, but sufficient mid-palate depth that I would be confident in holding bottles for several more years to further resolve. I expected this wine to be austere to the point of severity, but it stayed on the enjoyable side of stern. Appealing for those who don’t like “lush” in their Syrah.