Benziger, Sonoma Valley (Sonoma County, California) Syrah 2018

 The 2018 vintage release is my first encounter with this wine, and we are off to a very good start together.  It is rich and deeply flavored and quite impactful, yet also admirably fresh and nicely balanced with a bright beam of acidity.  Wood influence is notable but hardly overbearing, lending an edge of spice that nicely augments the red and black fruit tones.  Already delicious and promising for a wide variety of foods, this will nevertheless reward patience, as it will gain complexity for at least another 3 to 5 years.  A Platinum Award winner at the 2022 San Diego International Wine and Spirits Challenge.