Dutton-Goldfield, Russian River Valley (Sonoma County, California) Syrah 2016

 This is exceptionally good Syrah from California, showing lovely, subtle floral aromatics (violets) recalling the classic specimens of the breed from the northern Rhône, followed by pure fruit flavors recalling mostly red berries, but with some black fruit shading as well.  At this relatively early stage, there’s not much that’s savory in the flavor profile (much less earthy, lesser still gamey), but that’s okay:  California reds rarely resemble their classic French cousins without time in bottle to develop tertiary characters).  This is nearly full-bodied, but with enough acidity to keep it fresh rather than muddy and monolithic (which is exactly what Syrah from California is when planted in the wrong spot or vinified by the wrong people).  The oak is restrained, and this is already tasting integrated and delicious — just not yet at its very best, to my personal taste.  If you love pure fruit flavors, go for this now; if you have patience and care more for complexity than punch, give this five years away from any heat (you don’t need a fancy cellar; just keep it from getting above 72 degrees Fahrenheit).  If you opt for the latter approach, it will merit this score for sure.