Element 79 Vineyards, Fair Play (El Dorado County, California) Syrah 2017

 As some of you may recall from your high school chem class (and to save others from embarrassment) element 79 is gold.  In 2016 Les and Sharon Heinsen purchased property and an established 32 acre vineyard in El Dorado County.  The 2017 vintage was a few weeks early with the Syrah picked on October 5th.  Consulting winemaker Scott Johnson harvested some Viognier on the same day and the field blend was fermented in open top tanks.  With 2% Viognier, the wine was aged for 20 months in French oak, 44% new.  Dark in color with beautiful upfront black fruit aromas of blueberry and plum and, with some airing, a hint of lavender pokes through.  It is silky smooth in texture and the flavors expand to showcase berry, dried herbs and spice with refined tannins in the finish. Despite the declared alcohol of 14.5%, it comes across as youthful, vibrant and charming.  It should develop even more complexity with short-term cellaring.