Country: US / California
Variety: Syrah
Winery: Fess Parker / Rodney’s Vineyard
Black pepper is the star of this bone-dry, full-bodied young wine, in both the aroma and the flavor. Below that are bold notes of black currants, plums and leather. The tannins are hard, giving it a mouth-stinging astringency. Your best bet is to cellar it for 3–4 years, but it’s somewhat risky.