Pangea Syrah 2016

The 2016 Pangea Apalta Vineyard Syrah is from a much cooler year that gave them the opportunity to produce a wine with less alcohol when they realized the wine was more elegant and balanced, the earthiness receded and the rusticity almost disappeared. This is the line the following vintages of Pangea will follow, and this is the first year they matured 10% of the volume in oak foudres (a percentage that will increase in future vintages). It has more varietal character and better integrated oak. There is less alcohol and better freshness. 33,000 bottles produced. It was bottled in February 2018.

This is serious syrah with very rich aromas and flavors of blackberries and dark plums, presented in pure, concentrated form. Long, unwavering palate with attractively sturdy tannins and some spiced chocolate and plum compote to close. Drink or hold.