The 2020 Syrah Per Sempre is a sensual, beguiling beauty. Silky tannins and lifted aromatics lend tons of charm and immediacy. All the elements are impeccably balanced here. The 2020 is not a huge expression of the variety, but in exchange, it drinks very well today. Readers will find a Syrah built on finesse. Blue-toned fruit, graphite, leather, lavender and spice linger on the brilliant finish.

The nose is an acrobatic oscillation among savory, sweet and floral aromas, as notes of smoke, spices and pepper brighten into dancing sugar plums, then soften into vanilla cream. The palate maintains the remarkable intersection of spice and perfume, but a deep earth element brings in a savory, sanguine contrast. Tannins are gorgeously sculpted but imposing, like classical statues, while acidity is linear and directed, like the artist’s chisel.

“A dense red, with expressive black cherry, blackberry and plum fruit, plus accents of mineral, tobacco and spices. Firmly structured and vibrant, this ends with a lingering aftertaste of oak spices.”