Bright, deep red. Shows a slightly roasted quality but also terrific energy and lift to the rather brooding aromas of dark berries, licorice, mint and spices, with a pungent mineral quality in the background. Densely packed but quite tight and dry, showing a youthfully muscular character to the intense flavors of cranberry, sour cherry and pepper. Finishes slightly dry-edged, with a minty reserve. This one is the hardest to taste today of this trio of 2012 Syrahs. -- Stephen Tanzer