The Halcon style.

[LasseK]

Help a poor Dane out here.

So from reading this forum, i have become very curious about Halcon's Alturas Syrah.

I have seen it described as old world in style. But is it something you would guess Northern Rhone Syrah on if you tasted it blind? Or does it just have something that remind you of Northern Rhone Syrah, but still very clearly a Californien wine?

I don't taste much US Syrah. It is not very popular in Copenhagen, so could need some help here before spending .

[William Kelley]

Help a poor Dane out here.

So from reading this forum, i have become very curious about Halcon's Alturas Syrah.

I have seen it described as old world in style. But is it something you would guess Northern Rhone Syrah on if you tasted it blind? Or does it just have something that remind you of Northern Rhone Syrah, but still very clearly a Californien wine?

I don't taste much US Syrah. It is not very popular in Copenhagen, so could need some help here before spending .

Yes. I have personally confused it with classically styled Northern Rhône Syrah in blind tastings.

[Robert.A.Jr.]

Help a poor Dane out here.

So from reading this forum, i have become very curious about Halcon's Alturas Syrah.

I have seen it described as old world in style. But is it something you would guess Northern Rhone Syrah on if you tasted it blind? Or does it just have something that remind you of Northern Rhone Syrah, but still very clearly a Californien wine?

I don't taste much US Syrah. It is not very popular in Copenhagen, so could need some help here before spending .

Yes. I have personally confused it with classically styled Northern Rhône Syrah in blind tastings.

Cornas?

That’s where I see it.

[William Kelley]

Cornas?

That’s where I see it.

Don't see the muscles for Cornas. Have several times called it as Gonon Saint-Joseph.

[Brian Tuite]

Cote-Rotie

[Max S.]

Does anyone have thoughts on how Wilde Farm compares?

[LasseK]

Thanks for the answers. Guess i need to buy some then. Only 2015 available to me at the moment though.

[Robert.A.Jr.]

Cornas?

That’s where I see it.

Don't see the muscles for Cornas. Have several times called it as Gonon Saint-Joseph.

Interesting. I find it pretty powerful, but then again, I drink very little new world Syrah.

[William Kelley]

Cornas?

That’s where I see it.

Don't see the muscles for Cornas. Have several times called it as Gonon Saint-Joseph.

Interesting. I find it pretty powerful, but then again, I drink very little new world Syrah.

I guess it depends on the vintage....

But rather than talking about which appellation it most resembles, it's probably more helpful to say that the style is in the same spirit as the likes of Gonon, Allemand, Jamet etc rather than more oak-driven n Rhône styles such as Ogier, Guigal, etc.

[Daniel Silva]

How do you find the 2017? At the moment it is the only one available in the wine shops in Europe I know of (both the Alturas and the elevácion). Quite a bit more expensive than in the US I think, at 48€ per bottle including taxes, but thought it was worth trying.

[William Kelley]

How do you find the 2017? At the moment it is the only one available in the wine shops in Europe I know of (both the Alturas and the elevácion). Quite a bit more expensive than in the US I think, at 48€ per bottle including taxes, but thought it was worth trying.

Try it! It's showing well.

[Daniel Silva]

How do you find the 2017? At the moment it is the only one available in the wine shops in Europe I know of (both the Alturas and the elevácion). Quite a bit more expensive than in the US I think, at 48€ per bottle including taxes, but thought it was worth trying.

Try it! It's showing well.

Cheers! Just bought them, alongside some Arnot Roberts Sonoma Coast syrah 2018, Arnot Roberts Que syrah 2018 and Whitcraft Pinot Noir 2018 as well. Had the Whitcraft Pinot Noir 2016 at a restaurant in Madrid last September and it was fantastic, although I have been told that the wines can be a bit a hit or miss from some people.

[William Kelley]

How do you find the 2017? At the moment it is the only one available in the wine shops in Europe I know of (both the Alturas and the elevácion). Quite a bit more expensive than in the US I think, at 48€ per bottle including taxes, but thought it was worth trying.

Try it! It's showing well.

Cheers! Just bought them, alongside some Arnot Roberts Sonoma Coast syrah 2018, Arnot Roberts Que syrah 2018 and Whitcraft Pinot Noir 2018 as well. Had the Whitcraft Pinot Noir 2016 at a restaurant in Madrid last September and it was fantastic, although I have been told that the wines can be a bit a hit or miss from some people.

If you see the Clary Ranch from Arnot-Robert that is especially good - one of, if not the, coolest sites where Syrah is grown in Sonoma County!

[Jim Brennan]

Cornas?

That’s where I see it.

Don't see the muscles for Cornas. Have several times called it as Gonon Saint-Joseph.

Interesting. I find it pretty powerful, but then again, I drink very little new world Syrah.

Eat your spinach, wimp!

[brigcampbell]

Help a poor Dane out here.

So from reading this forum, i have become very curious about Halcon's Alturas Syrah.

I have seen it described as old world in style. But is it something you would guess Northern Rhone Syrah on if you tasted it blind? Or does it just have something that remind you of Northern Rhone Syrah, but still very clearly a Californien wine?

I don't taste much US Syrah. It is not very popular in Copenhagen, so could need some help here before spending .

Here's a berserker zoom we did with Paul

[Daniel Silva]

Try it! It's showing well.

Cheers! Just bought them, alongside some Arnot Roberts Sonoma Coast syrah 2018, Arnot Roberts Que syrah 2018 and Whitcraft Pinot Noir 2018 as well. Had the Whitcraft Pinot Noir 2016 at a restaurant in Madrid last September and it was fantastic, although I have been told that the wines can be a bit a hit or miss from some people.

If you see the Clary Ranch from Arnot-Robert that is especially good - one of, if not the, coolest sites where Syrah is grown in Sonoma County!

Can't seem to find it in Europe, but I have made a mental note if I somehow manage to see it or whenever we can finally travel again!

[Cris Whetstone]

Don't see the muscles for Cornas. Have several times called it as Gonon Saint-Joseph.

Interesting. I find it pretty powerful, but then again, I drink very little new world Syrah.

I guess it depends on the vintage....

I think this is partially it for certain. I opened a '16 and '17 Alturas over the last month and a half. I found the '16 to be the most Cote Rotie reminiscent domestic Syrah I've had. The '17 was much more California in fruit expression but still stood out from most any other I've had from this state in terms of depth of fruit without the weight you typically get. It's also quite open right now as you note elsewhere in this thread.

[LasseK]

Thanks all.

Can anyone tell me a bit about the 2015 vintage?

[dougwilder]

I somehow missed the 2015 vintage. It has been nearly a year since I reviewed all the Halcón portfolio. The Alturas 2017 and 2018 are both beautifully complex with floral elements and black and red fruit along with tar and licorice. Excellent values made by Jackie Gordon. I highly recommend them. The 2019 samples arrive this weekend.

[brigcampbell]

Does anyone have thoughts on how Wilde Farm compares?

Have not had Wilde Farm syrah.

but Model Farm... they are in the same style

[Brian Tuite]

Thanks all.

Can anyone tell me a bit about the 2015 vintage?

It’s all a blur to me now but we did a Halcon Vineyard vertical of every Syrah produced about 3 years ago and while the ‘15 was just a year since release it was showing quite well. Jeb Dunnuck said the Myriad ‘15 Halcon had more Cote Rotie than Cote Rotie!

[Markus S]

Let me chime in here. It calls to mind Northern Rhone without it being something I would say is from the Old World, mostly in the aromatics I would say it is reminiscent of Cote Rotie.

[Todd F r e n c h]

Cornas?

That’s where I see it.

Don't see the muscles for Cornas. Have several times called it as Gonon Saint-Joseph.

Same. With 100% confidence I pegged it blind, twice, as Gonon St Joseph. 100% confidence, 100% wrong. That's a perfect record.

[AD Northup]

Does anyone have thoughts on how Wilde Farm compares?

Have not had Wilde Farm syrah.

but Model Farm... they are in the same style

Wilde Farm version is made in a very light style, was hard for me to call it Syrah if I didn't know what I was drinking (similar for the Jolie-Laide)...not that I don't like that, the lighter body/low alcohol/vibrant fruit versions fit in nicely with what I enjoy as well.

[LasseK]

So much good info. Thank you all. I will order a few bottles of the 2015 and try it out (when my bank account allows for it ).

[Todd F r e n c h]

So much good info. Thank you all. I will order a few bottles of the 2015 and try it out (when my bank account allows for it ).

I'd hope for some Syrah on BerserkerDay, coming up NEXT WEEK

[Nate M]

Paul should chime in here. I had the 15 a couple
Months ago and it was more lean and actually more old world to my palate than the 16 or 18. Those both had more fruit. Just my 2 cents.

[Nate M]

Cornas?

That’s where I see it.

Don't see the muscles for Cornas. Have several times called it as Gonon Saint-Joseph.

Interesting. I find it pretty powerful, but then again, I drink very little new world Syrah.

The 18 for sure is powerful.

[Robert.A.Jr.]

I just bought six bottles of the 2019 Alturas, I heard some British guy reviewed it quite favorably. But then again, I buy this wine every year anyway.

[Patrick T a y l o r]

Are Halcon's current vintages ready to drink, or do I have to wait a couple years?

Also, Wine-Searcher recently described Halcon as Cote Rotie.

https://www.wine-searcher.com/m/2020/11 ... -mendocino

[LasseK]

So much good info. Thank you all. I will order a few bottles of the 2015 and try it out (when my bank account allows for it ).

I'd hope for some Syrah on BerserkerDay, coming up NEXT WEEK

BerserkerDay is mostly for people living in the US i guess.

[Tom G l a s g o w]

So much good info. Thank you all. I will order a few bottles of the 2015 and try it out (when my bank account allows for it ).

I'd hope for some Syrah on BerserkerDay, coming up NEXT WEEK

BerserkerDay is mostly for people living in the US i guess.

Well if you live in Europe you get cellar door pricing, net advantage Europe.

[LasseK]

I'd hope for some Syrah on BerserkerDay, coming up NEXT WEEK

BerserkerDay is mostly for people living in the US i guess.

Well if you live in Europe you get cellar door pricing, net advantage Europe.

Hehe, with Covid and two small kids i rarely even get outside my own door

[Jay Miller]

So much good info. Thank you all. I will order a few bottles of the 2015 and try it out (when my bank account allows for it ).

I'd hope for some Syrah on BerserkerDay, coming up NEXT WEEK

Is Berserkerday happening sometime soon? When is that again, February? March?

[Markus S]

So much good info. Thank you all. I will order a few bottles of the 2015 and try it out (when my bank account allows for it ).

I'd hope for some Syrah on BerserkerDay, coming up NEXT WEEK

Is Berserkerday happening sometime soon? When is that again, February? March?

Perhaps April or May. I heard everything got delayed this year due to COVID.

[HMechbal]

I did find the Danish shop that sells the Halcon Alturas 2015 (at a good price to boot), unfortunately it doesn't ship to Europe. Enjoy LasseK !
Don't know if Halcon will export a bit more to Europe slowly but surely but everything I've read about it appeals to my Northern Rhone sensibilities.

[Zachary Ross]

How does Halcon's Alturas Syrah compare to the Syrahs from Edmunds St. John?

[D@vid Bu3ker]

How does Halcon's Alturas Syrah compare to the Syrahs from Edmunds St. John?

Interesting question, as I used that comparison in a tasting note not long ago. While they are different, they share a deep connection to place. The places for the respective wines are radically different, but IMO the spirit is similar.

[Robert.A.Jr.]

How does Halcon's Alturas Syrah compare to the Syrahs from Edmunds St. John?

Interesting question, as I used that comparison in a tasting note not long ago. While they are different, they share a deep connection to place. The places for the respective wines are radically different, but IMO the spirit is similar.

Power (Halcon) versus savory (ESJ).

That’s my humble opinion.

Two of the best syrahs made in CA.

[D@vid Bu3ker]

How does Halcon's Alturas Syrah compare to the Syrahs from Edmunds St. John?

Interesting question, as I used that comparison in a tasting note not long ago. While they are different, they share a deep connection to place. The places for the respective wines are radically different, but IMO the spirit is similar.

Power (Halcon) versus savory (ESJ).

That’s my humble opinion.

Two of the best syrahs made in CA.

I can see that, though I think there is a fair amount of power in ESJ. It’s just wielded in a more subtle manner.

[Paul Gordon]

Paul should chime in here. I had the 15 a couple
Months ago and it was more lean and actually more old world to my palate than the 16 or 18. Those both had more fruit. Just my 2 cents.

Nate

My take on the vintages:

2015 - it was a warmer, earlier year. The first few years after bottling it was dense, brooding and a little reductive. It has opened up in the last year and is starting to show more typical florals, mix red/black fruits and savory.
2016 - I have always loved this vintage. A little more fruit forward/concentrated but lots of funky interest. Great balancing acidity.
2017 - low alcohol, more acid driven but the Labor Day heatwave brought out the fruit. Nothing roasted but there is a plum skin quality.
2018 - a cool climate character but good weighting. I think this may be the longest ager. Reminds me of the better 2013 N.Rhones.
2019 - same weather as 2018 but much reduced crop. 2016+ with the same great balance. Like a 2010 N.Rhone from the cooler locales.

Paul

[Paul Gordon]

Are Halcon's current vintages ready to drink, or do I have to wait a couple years?

Also, Wine-Searcher recently described Halcon as Cote Rotie.

https://www.wine-searcher.com/m/2020/11 ... -mendocino

Patrick

My tannin tolerant winemaker palate thinks enjoyable after 2-3 years in bottle (though better with 5+ years). Really enjoying 2016. The earlier vintages need a couple years.

Paul

[Patrick T a y l o r]

Are Halcon's current vintages ready to drink, or do I have to wait a couple years?

Also, Wine-Searcher recently described Halcon as Cote Rotie.

https://www.wine-searcher.com/m/2020/11 ... -mendocino

Patrick

My tannin tolerant winemaker palate thinks enjoyable after 2-3 years in bottle (though better with 5+ years). Really enjoying 2016. The earlier vintages need a couple years.

Paul

Thanks! Perhaps some 2016s will show up next week...

[Paul Gordon]

I did find the Danish shop that sells the Halcon Alturas 2015 (at a good price to boot), unfortunately it doesn't ship to Europe. Enjoy LasseK !
Don't know if Halcon will export a bit more to Europe slowly but surely but everything I've read about it appeals to my Northern Rhone sensibilities.

Hamza

We export infrequently to France - usually via a broker to larger online retailers.
We are in UK (A&B Vintners), Spain (Minimal), Serbia (SunTrade) and of all places, Albania.

Paul

[Max S.]

Patrick

My tannin tolerant winemaker palate thinks enjoyable after 2-3 years in bottle (though better with 5+ years). Really enjoying 2016. The earlier vintages need a couple years.

Paul

How long do you think they'll live for?

[Paul Gordon]

Patrick

My tannin tolerant winemaker palate thinks enjoyable after 2-3 years in bottle (though better with 5+ years). Really enjoying 2016. The earlier vintages need a couple years.

Paul

How long do you think they'll live for?

40 years? The 2009, from young vines, is just starting to show some leathery aged character (with fruit still fresh) and probably 10+ years from peak.

Paul

[JDavisRoby]

Cornas?

That’s where I see it.

Don't see the muscles for Cornas. Have several times called it as Gonon Saint-Joseph.

Same. With 100% confidence I pegged it blind, twice, as Gonon St Joseph. 100% confidence, 100% wrong. That's a perfect record.

[Drew Goin]

Don't see the muscles for Cornas. Have several times called it as Gonon Saint-Joseph.

Same. With 100% confidence I pegged it blind, twice, as Gonon St Joseph. 100% confidence, 100% wrong. That's a perfect record.

^^^ Now, you do know that the right to use of "Sex Panther cologne" memes on Wine Berserkers belongs to Mr Rich Brown, dontcha?

Click to see spoiler:

* Is it too late to feature it for Berserker Day? *

[JDavisRoby]

Same. With 100% confidence I pegged it blind, twice, as Gonon St Joseph. 100% confidence, 100% wrong. That's a perfect record.

^^^ Now, you do know that the right to use of "Sex Panther cologne" memes on Wine Berserkers belongs to Mr Rich Brown, dontcha?

Click to see spoiler:

* Is it too late to feature it for Berserker Day? *

I thought he only got 60% of them? So it’s every time?

[Joe W i n o g r a d]

Paul - Any recent experience with 2012 Alturas?