Relic, Syrah Richard Perry, Napa Valley

115 cases: Pop and pour with some serious swirling of glasses. Cork was intact and slipped right out to reveal an inky purple with some light sediment. Wine probably took 30 minutes to open up, unfair to judge it before then. Once ready, nose providing blackberry, black and white pepper, tobacco and leathery notes. Palate is intense and really drives to mouth-watering with black pepper, sage, blackberry, and just a touch of chocolate sweetness. More fruit than I was expecting …

Color is dark, inky, red. Nose is blackberry, blueberry, and chocolate, subtle hint of chocolate. Taste is similar, big berry flavors, subtle notes of chocolate and medium roast coffee. Mild tannins.

Wine just jumps out of the glass. Plums and cherries with a chocolate finish.

Bit sweet upfront, but opens up into lovely plums and cherries. Finishes with some chocolate and berry. Definitely way to young.

Amazing acidity, it's currently coming across as an elevated ripeness/sweetness... Great color - nearly black-purple. Amplified blackberry preserves. Not a whole lot of finesse. Question is, would this integrate with more time? Maybe too young??? (no score)

Decanted about 90 minutes. Thick, dark appearance. Nose of copiously pure blackberrry fruit and eucalyptus/menthol, all of which carries through to the palate, where they are joined by some distinctive peppery, briny varietal character. Tannins are silky and fine grained, and the finish, which adds a complicating note of slightly bitter orange zest, is long. Gorgeous stuff. 93+.

Decanted 4 hours, drank over the next 3. Deep dark purple color, legs a mile long on the swirl. Black fruits, eucalyptus, pepper, dark chocolate with over 72% cacao, espresso. Tight as a drum, even after being open for 7 hours. It's got everything that you want in a great Syrah, be patient and you will be rewarded. Won't open another one of these for at least 2 years.

Heady, jammy nose of blackberries and earth, sweet black cherries and white pepper. Very dark purple color. Smooth tannins and nice mouthfeel-at 15% alcohol this seems very balanced and not hot whatsoever. Almost zinfandel-like, long smooth aftertaste also. Interested to see if this improves at all with some aging.

Thick dark wine with a slight diesel and medicinal nose laced with dried rose petals. Lots of Pomegranate and black cherry juice; some licorice and vanilla notes sing through with touch of bacon fat. . Although it is 15.1 % alcohol, it is not out of balance. Long finish with dried black cherries and vanilla. Decanted and tasted over the course of two hours. Will be better with a year + in the cellar.