Koi Zen Cellars, Mt. Veeder, Napa Valley (California) Syrah 2015

Meaty and deeply satisfying, this is a rich rendition of Syrah that offers up expressive aromas and flavors without pushing too hard or losing its varietal identity.  There’s plenty of oak in the mix, lending toasty, spicy aromatic notes but leaving the fruit clearly in evidence.  On the palate, it shows medium-plus body, with substantial richness but still some lift and freshness.  The fruit shows both red and black tones, with smoky barrel char poking through but not obtruding too aggressively.  Already delicious, this will clearly be even better integrated and more complex after another couple of years in bottle…so consider buying it now but trying to forget it until after the turn of the decade.  A Double Gold Award winner at the 2019 Toast of the Coast International Wine Competition.