The Data

Country   USA

Appellation   Applegate Valley

Varietal   Syrah

Retail Price   $30

ABV   14.5%

Score   4 Stars/93 points

In the Glass

Brilliant, deep ruby color.

The aromatics are very intense offering scents of blackberry and black pepper with supporting notes of bacon, cassis, five spice, forest floor, and earth.

The palate echoes the nose delivering a black fruit-driven core with flavors of black plum, baking spices, cardamon, and black tea. The finish is long and lingering with ripe tannins and subtle oak accents.

Full-bodied and perfectly balanced with a meaty texture.

Cool Factor

At this stage we are beginning to think that Troon is incapable of making a wine that is not very cool. We love the house style and can't wait for future releases.

Value Grade

A great 93 point Syrah selling at $30 is a value in our estimation and considering the scarcity — just 400 cases made — it's a bargain.

Analysis

Troon Vineyard is going all-in on Syrah. Syrah is a grape that they feel is ideally-suited to the climate and soils found in the Applegate Valley. The Syrah from this appellation creates wines that are more like the wines of the Northern Rhone rather than southern California or even the Southern Rhone. While Troon is replanting multiple vineyards they are establishing three large new blocks of Syrah, each in a different soil-type and each planted with different clones. This Estate Syrah establishes the new direction of Syrah at Troon. This wine is and will be their primary, highest-production Syrah selling at $30 and designed to be ready to drink on release. While it’s drinking great now this dense and complex will age well. We are looking forward to following the evolution of this wine.

How to Enjoy

Serve at cellar temperature — decant and allow this wine to breathe for at least 30 minutes. Serve with a great grilled ribeye or beef Rendang.