Road 13, Syrah Malbec, British Columbia

Dark as midnight ... on a moonless night! Not a wine for the faint of heart. Spicy aromas, with hints of cinnamon & cardamom. However, on the palate it is super dry - with green pepper beginning & and red pepper finish. It is softening - but this I like. Loads of interesting flavors in over 3 hours: olives, paprika, mushroom, & earth. This wine always keeps me interested.

Decanted 90 minutes. Dark purple. Classic Okanagan profile of raspberry jam, green wood, spice. Medium-full body, M/M+ acidity, XD, M/M+ tannins. Long finish. I know most of the grapes for this wine are actually from the neighbouring Similkameen Valley, not the Okanagan Valley proper, but wow does this ever take me back.

From the Winery Of The Year comes a grippy, peppery Syrah - tempered with the fruity, lushness & blue lift of Malbec. Sweet blueberry & violets are threaded through the plum & wild blackberry fruit - ripely lush on the palate and propped by soft tannins. The finish is a pastille, sweetened espresso. I preferred the '15 vintage but will let this one cellar longer and review.