The 2017 Iron Syrah is my favorite of the four Syrahs offered by Mullineux this year. It has a wonderful bouquet of black fruit, clove, iron filings (predictably!) and incense that gathers momentum with aeration. The palate is medium-bodied with sappy black fruit, very fine backbone and the most vigor among all their 2017s. It sports great tension on the finish and impressive persistence. Superb.

The firm tannic structure lends plenty of support to the plum compote and bright cherry flavors, hints of star anise and accents of clove and floral. The finish is long and promising. Tight and chewy at the moment, but you can spot the aging potential by digging deeper. Best from 2023 through 2035. 152 cases made, 10 cases imported.