2013 Gramercy "Lagniappe" Columbia Valley Syrah

(vinified with 85% whole clusters): Bright ruby-red. Pure but reticent nose hints at blackberry, licorice, pepper and violet. Savory, saline and dry on the palate, with stubbornly backward black pepper, spice and pepper showing good salinity and inner-mouth tension but in need of a couple years to open. Tighter and more Hermitage-like today than The Deuce but perhaps ultimately deeper and longer, this wine will need patience. 91+ (ST)