Halcon Estate Syrah 2021
(Yorkville Highlands, California) - [WA 95+] [VM 95] [JD 94]

Notes from the Winemaker:

We invite you to join us in celebrating one of the most impressive Syrah plantings in California with our inaugural vintage of Halcon Estate Syrah.

Singular in location, elevation, soil composition, and concept, our estate vineyard has produced many impressive wines over the years for a select few wineries, including previous vineyard owners Jackie and Paul Gordon, who planted the vineyard in 2005.

The 2021 vintage is the first year we had the privilege of crafting 100% Halcon Estate Syrah. The exceptionally cold and arid winter of 2021, combined with a windy spring, resulted in a reduced crop yield and smaller berries. This yielded flavors that were more mature, concentrated, and highlighted a plethora of intense, dark fruit. This growing season proved to be exceptional, giving rise to wines that are currently vibrant and lively while possessing the potential for graceful aging.

Ratings & Reviews: 

95+ Points - Wine Advocate:
"Inky black, the 2021 Estate Syrah is resinous with pine sap, toasted black pepper oils, and black plum. Full-bodied, with gripping structure and good acidity throughout, it has an earthy profile of turned soil, black tea, and cherry pit. Offering a fresh lift of acidity, there seems to be a lot of potential here." - Erin Brooks (Oct 2024)

94 Points - Vinous Media:
"The 2021 Syrah is the first wine I have tasted from Halcon since it was acquired by Pax Mahle and Baron Ziegler late that year. This site, in the Yorkville Highlands, has long yielded distinctive, intensely savory wines. That's exactly what comes through in the 2021. Inky dark fruit, black pepper, chocolate, licorice, and lavender infuse in the 2021 with tons of character." - Antonio Galloni (Jan 2024)

94 Points - Jeb Dunnuck:
"Inky black, the 2021 Syrah Estate is resinous with pine sap, toasted black pepper oils, and black plum. Full-bodied, with gripping structure and good acidity throughout, it has an earthy profile of turned soil, black tea, and cherry pit. Offering a fresh lift of acidity, there seems to be a lot of potential here. Give it another 6-12 months in bottle, and this should be in a great place." - Audrey Frick (Jul 2023)