Peter William Vineyard, Rogue Valley (Oregon) “Les Candives” PWV Reserve Syrah 2018

Of the three Syrahs made by this winery in 2018, this one is 100% Syrah made from the estate vineyard and aged entirely in French oak, 50% new.  To distinguish it from the others, the winery went with the “Candives” name, said to be an alternate name for Syrah used in the tiny village of Chavanay in the Northern Rhone Valley.  As fine as the other 2018s are, this is so dark, dense, and dramatic that the special name is certainly merited.  Loaded with ripe black fruit, it also has layers of spice, hints of clove and violets, light leather, toast, and pepper that evolve in the glass.  Ultra smooth and seamless, it is beautiful now but will also bring rewards with cellaring.