This wine is a real exception for me. I generally don’t much care for Syrah because it’s all tertiary supporting aromas with no real point to the wine. For this reason, I much prefer Petite Sirah, which always has some nice fruit in the center.
Mike’s Syrah is a different story. You can tell from looking that it’s got great density and is plenty purple - sure to age well. But then the nose hands you all these plums! The tertiary notes are certainly there in a supporting role - Asian spice, porcini, romano, licorice and the classic grilled steak (charred beef marbling) are all there. Very restrained oak and civilized alcohol.
The mouth is ample and lush - bursting with fruit and full of round, refined tannins with already a good long finish. Very satisfying and with the kind of structural integrity that will age almost indefinitely, though drinking quite well already.
No wonder you bagged a Gold at Harvest Fair. This really stands head and shoulders above most Syrahs out there.