Padigan, Rogue Valley (Oregon) Syrah 2021

 The Padigan team was at the top of its game with this 2021 Syrah.  It is dark and with time in the glass reveals aromas that are leathery at first with cola but then adds intriguing notes of lavender and tobacco.  Firm and concentrated, it has deep, ripe plum and blackberry fruit  and licorice flavors all rounded by subtle oak spice.  The vineyard was severely pruned for a small crop which helped it get through a warm June, the hottest on record.  Ripening relatively early, the grapes were harvested in late September.  The juice was wild yeast fermented and the wine oak aged for 22 months in 35% new French oak barrels.  Youthful and refined, it only needs cellaring and should be at its peak around 2028-29.  130 cases made.