Quady North, Applegate Valley (Oregon) Syrah 2016

 Quady North is owned by Herb Quady, whose family owns Quady Vineyards in California.  At his own winery in historic Jacksonville, Herb specializes in small lot, single vineyard wines.  Named after the eldest daughter, Mae’s Vineyard is the family’s estate in the cool Applegate Valley.  “Flagship” designates the favorite single lot bottling of the year and, make no mistake, this 2016 is a majestic Syrah along the lines of a Côte-Rôtie.  Dark, intense, and loaded with ripe blackberry fruit enveloped in layers of oak spice, it gradually unfolds to display concentrated plum fruit, earthy, anise and slightly gamey flavors.  This is one for aging 3 to 5 years.