This version of Alturas is a slightly less savory than previous vintages but has very bright, forward red fruits. There is great complexity and lots of stony minerality. It is drinking well straight out of the gate. This vintage of Alturas is a very worthy successor to the previous vintages.
Vineyard & Vintage Notes
Located in the Mendocino County appellation of Yorkville Highlands, Halcón Vineyards overlook Anderson Valley and the Pacific beyond. At 2500ft it is one of the highest vineyards in California. The northerly location, ocean exposure and altitude combine to produce a climate remarkably similar to the Northern Rhône region of France.
Halcón Vineyards sit on a geologic band known as Yorkville Complex, a rare soil type based on fractured shale, mica-schist and quartz-rich rock. This ancient rock erodes into a thin layer of extremely low vigor soil; the very same soils that garner fame to Côte-Rôtie. Halcón Vineyards are planted on mountainous, high altitude chaparral. The thin, fast-draining soils support very few trees; perfect ground for vines. The vineyards are densely planted with 3ft by 2m spacing, 2200 vines per acre. This density increases competition for water and nutrients, driving root structures deeper and providing riper fruit at lower sugar levels.
Following a very typical mid-April bud-break and moderate temps during the spring and early summer, we experienced some very high temperatures over Labor Day weekend. The altitude of our vineyard tempered the highs (we never exceeded 100F) but the heat was enough to temporarily shut down the vines. Fortunately we had just completed veraison, giving the vines ample time to recover and continue fruit development. We picked very mature Syrah fruit on October 4th – the seeds very dark, the pulp had saturated color and there were highly lignified stems. All this at lower sugars, leading to a finished alcohol of 12.7%. We again utilized 50% whole-cluster and aged in 90% neutral oak with just a single new French puncheon. 3% estate Viognier was co-fermented.
Specs
Vintage: 2017
Appellation: Yorkshire Highlands, Mendocino County
“This syrah offers up a superb aromatic constellation of cassis, black raspberries, bonfire, dark soil tones, black olive, pepper and hung game. On the palate, the wine is deep, pure and soil-driven, with a full-bodied format, rock solid core, great backend mineral drive and a long, tangy, ripely tannic and complex finish. This may well be America’s finest bottling of syrah! 2029-2070.”
94 John Gilman March 2020
Our second vintage of this special cuvee. This wine is again 100% Chave selection Syrah fermented with 100% whole-cluster and aged in neutral French oak puncheons. There were no adjustments to alcohol nor acids and again we utilized native yeasts. Just like Alturas, this wine benefited from very mature fruit and stems at low sugars leading to a finished alcohol of 12.8%. 150 cases unfined, unfiltered.
Specs
Vintage: 2017
Appellation: Yorkshire Highlands, Mendocino County
Driven by a love of the ethereal wines of the Northern Rhone and impressed by the cool climate characteristics of wines emanating from Mendocino, we searched the Anderson Valley area for a plot of land that could generate truly world-class wine from Rhone varietals. Having found such a site, a site dominated by the same schist soils found in Cote-Rôtie, a windblown, cool mountaintop with a view to the Pacific, we set out to plant a vineyard without compromise.
We are committed to the most transparent possible expression of the Halcón Vineyards terroir. Firm believers that wine is made in the vineyard, we follow a non-interventionist approach in the cellar: natural yeast, no enzyme addition, no adjustments to alcohol or acids, and the judicious use of new french oak.
Available States
AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, MT, NE, NV, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY
This drinks like other favorite CA Syrah wines I’ve loved through the years, for example:
“2006 Arcadian Syrah Sleepy Hollow Vineyard”
Any John Cabot Syrah
@CorTot@rjquillin i could add it to the box here with your name on it. You’ll have enough time until November to make room
If not for the Elevacion I’d have to pass also.
I know. Both my wallet and my storage has no more room.
@danandlisa I just finished reading the discussion in the Halcón offer from last November, and noticed that you said almost the same thing. Deja vu all over again. Can we call it the Halcón effect?
@InFrom Exactly! Or WD extremely bad timing. My tiny house has no room for wine storage and I bought two cases of Andrew’s wine because I wanted to compare the Petite Verdot. My husband has no idea I bought two cases, just one.
Also ordered two, and while one claims on the shipping label and order acknowledgment it will contain the '17, both were the '16.
CSR is still flogging what to do.
@danandlisa@InFrom@rjquillin@Winedavid49
Considering that they only threw the '17 in because they ran out of the '16, I don’t see why they should do anything. You were able to get a second case after it appeared to be sold out, congrats! Or are you saying that you bought an entire case specifically because 2 of the 12 bottles were a different vintage of the same wine?
@tercerowines Good memories sitting out on his patio while he and swmbo poured bottle after bottle for a group of wooters after, iirc, a D&D trip up north.
Came home with cases…
Yay! We are exiting summer in DC, and it is time to pivot from rose and IPAs (LOL, no, keeping the IPAs) to some hardy reds. Thank you to Casemates and Alice for the opportunity! Bottle arrived on Tuesday, and I had every intention of pre-gaming the VP debate with it.
Found myself unable to sleep at 1AM and cracked it open. Sometimes bad ideas are good ideas. It is a lovely, deep burgundy .
The initial smell is very floral, also tastes and smells of blackberry and sour cherry; it’s pretty dry, very Syrah, and has a nice depth. After initial taste, the floral smell continues (I live in urban DC, please don’t ask me to be more specific. Hyacinth? Maybe?), and is, honestly, almost off-putting, but the taste is quite lovely.
I revisit the wine Wednesday at a perfectly cromulent time (stored with a standard wine stopper), and the changes are primarily that 1. the floral scent has gone, woot!, and 2. the taste acquired a good spicy, peppery bite. Scent and taste of plum, (and still) blackberry, sour cherry. Accompanying meal was grilled cheese with a salad, but the wine doesn’t need accompaniment (smoked gouda added nothing, aged cheddar paired well). Had another glass Thursday evening, and my recommendation is buy this, most certainly at this price, but finish in two days. I’m pretty COVID risk averse, so the only additional commentary is my non-red drinking spouse, who remarked “yes, it is very good” on Wednesday.
@KitMarlot@losthighwayz Well if I only buy 4 bottles, I’m pretty sure none of them will make it to 2029. Personally, I’m just hoping that I make it to 2029!
Typically an autobuy for me… buuut, it’s still in the 90’s here!! Last time it shipped out in 9 days after placing the order. If only the expected delivery date were true, I’d be in for a case.
@TechnoViking well, we are at the time of year of rapid weather changes to hopefully by the time this ships it won’t be 90’s anymore. (unless you are in the SW in Summer, in which case, I’ll say… WHY?).
I have had some experiences with UPS delayed due to “late trailer” meaning it got to distribution center too late to deliver the next morning. So it spent an extra day waiting. I mentioned this to UPS driver and he assured me it would have been in the air-conditioned warehouse and not just sitting in a truck all day. We can hope, anyway.
@jrbw3@kasandrae quote from danandlisa (above) “Both my wallet and my storage has no more room.”
The Halcon looks like a great deal but after I pick up from y’all my budget for the rest of the year is done
Anyone up for a split?! Lol
@ttboy23 I’m grabbing the last case today for our next meet. If you’d like me to grab this one too…we can meet a little later, with a little more wine…
How much more are you saving by buying a full case?
(Note: Tax & Shipping not included in savings calculations)
2017 Halcón Vineyards Syrah Duo - $25 = 9.79%
Way ahead of you. I grabbed a case, but hoarding syndrome is taking over and I only want to share half of the case. Who is in for the other half?
I just finished the last glass of a bottle of '17 Alturas last night. The bottle was opened Tuesday eve and sat with a stopper on the counter. SWMBO remarked Tuesday - “oh, I like this wine” which is a ticket to buy on it’s own, but this wine is delicious. Dark purple color, a nose full of flowers and dark berries. On the palate blackberries and blueberries; tastes like purple. Tannins were enough to be noticed and worked with the long finish to bring you back to the glass. The last glass brought out all the savory notes, smoked meats, some soy, but the fruit was still there as well. This is excellent Syrah. I am swimming in Syrah after the Andrew Muyrray delivery yesterday and the shipping notice from Paul @ Halcon for the Fall release in my inbox this morning. But what a deal!
@Boatman72@chipgreen@marikar@mrn1@pjmartin I’m intrigued by this but could go either way… very indecisive. So if someone else wants the other half, great. If everyone wants more I’d be in for 4 or 6.
@Boatman72@chipgreen@lonadoonage@marikar@pjmartin I’d be happy with 4 or 6 also. Let’s see who else chimes in and then maybe we’ll grab a 2nd case. Pete, let us know if you would really prefer to keep your case to yourself. Certainly wouldn’t hurt my feelings.
A couple reviews:
By Antonio Galloni
(Vinous) 94 points
(Halcón Alturas California Red) The 2017 Alturas is another stellar wine in this range. Rich and deep in feel, the 2017 has a bit more body than is typical for the Halcón wines, and yet it retains all of the signatures of the house style. Firm tannins wrap around a core of red fruit, licorice, wild flowers, herbs and rose petal. The 2017 is pretty alluring today, but it will be even better in another few years’ time, once all the elements have come together a bit more fully. (Drink between 2022-2029)
By Antonio Galloni
(Vinous) 92 points
(Halcón Elevacion California Red) Halcón’s 2017 Elevacion (Syrah) is dense and quite powerful at this stage. Ripe dark cherry, plum, game, tobacco and licorice add striking layers of dimension. Burly tannins give the 2017 a slightly round around the edges feel. Another year or two in bottle will help, but the signatures of the vintage are impossible to fully escape. Even so, there is plenty to look forward to. (Drink between 2021-2029)
Like many of you, I was a bit torn on this one. I’m overloaded with Syrah, but really want to try this. The 4 pack is a reasonable per bottle premium over the case price at less than 10% (thanks, Chip!) so away I go…
/giphy round-offhand-shake
92 points John Gilman
"The 2017 Syrah ‘Alturas’ from Halcón Vineyards includes three percent viognier this year, and again saw fifty percent whole clusters utilized. The wine is low octane this year, coming in at 12.7 percent and offering up a complex nose of dark berries, lavender, smoked meats, pepper, sweet stems, a beautifully complex base of soil, just a touch of cedar and a smoky topnote. On the palate the wine is pure, full-bodied and tightly-knit, with a good core, great transparency, ripe, well-integrated tannins, superb balance and grip and a very long, youthful and promising finish. This is going to age into a beautiful middleweight style of syrah that reminds me very much of some of those great Côte-Rôties from vintages such as 1979, 1985 and 1988. Very refined juice. "(1/2020)
91 points Jeb Dunnuck
"The 2017 Syrah Alturas checks in as the normal mix of 97% Syrah and 3% Viognier. Its ruby/plum color is followed by classic Syrah notes of blackberries, wildflowers, ground pepper, and damp earth. Reminding me of a Côte Rôtie from the southern part of the appellation, it has a rounded, elegant texture, fine tannins, and outstanding length. Give bottles 2-3 years. "(11/2019)
91 points Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate
“The 2017 Syrah Alturas was made with 50% whole cluster and co-fermented with 3% Viognier. It was aged in mostly neutral oak, with just one new French 500-liter puncheon for a total of about 10% new oak. Medium to deep ruby-purple, it has a very pretty nose of boysenberry and blueberry preserves, exotic spices and oodles of floral perfume with notions of soil, chocolate, peppered meats, strawberry jam and dried orange peel. Medium to full-bodied, it has a good core of fruits layered with spices and flowers, with a firm frame of grainy tannins and good freshness, finishing long and savory.” (EB) (12/2019)
And Wine Enthusiast on the Halcón 2017 Elevacion Estate Syrah (Yorkville Highlands)
92 Points. This wine is tight and medium-bodied, appetizing but a bit austere at this stage in its life. Graphite, very dark chocolate, roasted herbs and blackberry flavors rest on firm tannins and good acidity. It should mature into more richness after 2023. JG 4/1/20
Our lab rat bottle of Elevación arrived Wednesday afternoon. We are big Syrah fans, so this was a lovely surprise. This is a particularly hectic time so I (hubby) am pitch-hitting submitting comments. We chilled the bottle and made a quick menu change to accompany Syrah. This has a lovely dark plum color with aromas of black cherry, blackberry, and cassis. When first opened, subtle flavors of blackberry, blueberry, dark cherry were prominent. These subsided as the wine opened up to become more savory. As expected for a good Syrah, the tannins were notable and there is a black peppery finish. It paired very well with a grilled ribeye and Gorgonzola ravioli with a brown butter sage sauce. Saved remainder on the counter with a vacu-vin stopper. The second evening tasting was decidedly less fruit forward and more savory - paired very well with a nice blue cheese. Elevación is an excellent representation of a Syrah. It drinks well now, but should get even better with age. Our storage runneth over, but we can’t pass on this delicious Syrah.
Not a Vertical, but a Horizontal. Vertical is multiple years of the same wine, same location. Horizontal is the same year of the same wine, but different locations.
@funnywontons@i8dacat@klezman@MarkDaSpark@radiolysis@rjquillin@ScottW58 I wouldn’t mind broadening this topic and maybe taking it to the SoCal Swap Meet thread because I also have unclaimed wine in my living room. Specifically 3 bottles of Martin Ray Merlot originally requested by halwarning and purchased by rjquillin. I also have 30ish bottles that are spoken for.
@davirom@funnywontons@i8dacat@MarkDaSpark@radiolysis@rjquillin@ScottW58 Yeah, the swap meet thread can get its own treatment of outstanding bottles. Good idea.
So right now I’ve got davirom down for 4 bottles, funnywontons down for 2. 3 of each wine remain unclaimed. Given what I’ve heard about the Elevacion I can take an extra pair if that’ll help, leaving 2 of each.
@davirom@funnywontons@i8dacat@klezman@MarkDaSpark@radiolysis@ScottW58@cortot
Updated the ss with what I think I can deduce, but it’s a bit difficult to actually know.
I was hoping to get some of the '16 after the ‘17 so, but it seems that didn’t happen, despite what the shipping label indicated. @davirom, 2 sets, four bottles @funnywontons, 2 bottles or two sets of two? @scottw58, it really would be nice if it were sets, and not cherry picked, just sayin’, but if there are leftovers, why not…
@InFrom@KitMarlot It’s the first time that I know of, that the ‘small lot’ has sold out first. I think the reason may be that very reasonable price for the “small lot”. I had some of the other Halcón wine, and I certainly wanted at least a little of this for comparison, but jammed up with wine, so the ‘small lot’ was unusually attractive for me, and I guess others.
@InFrom@KitMarlot@PatrickKarcher
If I recall correctly, there was the Iron Horse mixed still/bubbly offer back in early 2019. There was no savings advantage to the case over the 4-pack. I’m pretty sure the 4-packs sold out first on that offer.
@WCCWineGirl Thanks for the magic. It’s always Epic turning something into wine. Even if it’s turning cases of wine into smaller boxes of wine, it’s all Good!
My wife gave me grief about the prices on the Andrew Murray case. But she loved the two bottles we sampled. Only going for a 4 pack here because, well, I don’t need too much grief in such short period of time
When you spend all day talking yourself into a 4 pack because you really really don’t need more wine, then the 4 packs sell out for the 2nd time…you buy a case
/giphy inconsistent-juicy-eel
2017 Halcón Vineyards Alturas Syrah, Yorkville Highlands
Tasting Notes
Vineyard & Vintage Notes
Specs
2017 Halcón Vineyards Elevación Estate Syrah, Yorkville Highlands
Tasting Notes
Specs
Included in the Box
4-bottles:
Case:
Price Comparison
Not for sale online, $420/case MSRP
About The Winery
Available States
AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, MT, NE, NV, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY
Estimated Delivery
Monday, Nov 2 - Tuesday, Nov 3
Halcón Vineyards Syrah Duo
4 bottles for $84.99 $21.25/bottle + $2/bottle shipping
Case of 12 for $229.99 $19.17/bottle + $1/bottle shipping
2017 Halcón Vineyards Alturas Syrah
2017 Halcón Vineyards Elevación Syrah
Damn the Rats, and you too WD, this is one of those auto-buy offers. Paul does good things.
@rjquillin Seriously. We splitting? I’d be fine with 2 of each, but with those drinking windows it seems 3 each is the smarter play.
@klezman I could send one your way if there is additional LA/SoCal interest.
@klezman A CT comment on the Alturas
Good company
You too Larry @tercerowines
@klezman @rjquillin do I want this? yes!
I’m outta room and can’t have any more boxes from Ron show up so it’s a sad pass…
@CorTot @rjquillin i could add it to the box here with your name on it. You’ll have enough time until November to make room
If not for the Elevacion I’d have to pass also.
What is this, Syrah month? I just got the Andrew Murray order yesterday.
@InFrom I know. Both my wallet and my storage has no more room.
@danandlisa You said it. And yet… I’ve eyed Halcon on Berserker Bay and not bought. Even at the 4-pack price, this looks to be a good deal.
Thus are sown the seeds of rationalization.
@danandlisa Oh, then there’s the drinking window that exceeds my life expectancy (2070???). That’s a first for me.
@danandlisa @InFrom
I wish I could claim the same…
@danandlisa I just finished reading the discussion in the Halcón offer from last November, and noticed that you said almost the same thing. Deja vu all over again. Can we call it the Halcón effect?
@InFrom Exactly! Or WD extremely bad timing. My tiny house has no room for wine storage and I bought two cases of Andrew’s wine because I wanted to compare the Petite Verdot. My husband has no idea I bought two cases, just one.
@danandlisa @InFrom @winedavid49
Also ordered two, and while one claims on the shipping label and order acknowledgment it will contain the '17, both were the '16.
CSR is still flogging what to do.
@danandlisa @InFrom @rjquillin @Winedavid49
Considering that they only threw the '17 in because they ran out of the '16, I don’t see why they should do anything. You were able to get a second case after it appeared to be sold out, congrats! Or are you saying that you bought an entire case specifically because 2 of the 12 bottles were a different vintage of the same wine?
@chipgreen @danandlisa @InFrom @Winedavid49
Yes, wanted the '17.
@chipgreen @InFrom @rjquillin @Winedavid49 Me too. Having the 17 pushed me over the edge and I am very glad! Forgot how much I love his wines.
@danandlisa @InFrom @rjquillin @Winedavid49
Well, in that case I hope they send you both a couple bottles of the '17 that you were expecting.
Great wines made by even better people. If you like cool climate Rhones, these wines are your ticket . . .
@tercerowines Good memories sitting out on his patio while he and swmbo poured bottle after bottle for a group of wooters after, iirc, a D&D trip up north.
Came home with cases…
@tercerowines Just pinged Paul, hopefully he’ll join in today or tomorrow.
2017 Halcón Vineyards Alturas Syrah, Yorkville Highlands
Yay! We are exiting summer in DC, and it is time to pivot from rose and IPAs (LOL, no, keeping the IPAs) to some hardy reds. Thank you to Casemates and Alice for the opportunity! Bottle arrived on Tuesday, and I had every intention of pre-gaming the VP debate with it.
.
Found myself unable to sleep at 1AM and cracked it open. Sometimes bad ideas are good ideas. It is a lovely, deep burgundy
The initial smell is very floral, also tastes and smells of blackberry and sour cherry; it’s pretty dry, very Syrah, and has a nice depth. After initial taste, the floral smell continues (I live in urban DC, please don’t ask me to be more specific. Hyacinth? Maybe?), and is, honestly, almost off-putting, but the taste is quite lovely.
I revisit the wine Wednesday at a perfectly cromulent time (stored with a standard wine stopper), and the changes are primarily that 1. the floral scent has gone, woot!, and 2. the taste acquired a good spicy, peppery bite. Scent and taste of plum, (and still) blackberry, sour cherry. Accompanying meal was grilled cheese with a salad, but the wine doesn’t need accompaniment (smoked gouda added nothing, aged cheddar paired well). Had another glass Thursday evening, and my recommendation is buy this, most certainly at this price, but finish in two days. I’m pretty COVID risk averse, so the only additional commentary is my non-red drinking spouse, who remarked “yes, it is very good” on Wednesday.
@murftastic and this was which bottle?
@murftastic @rjquillin Details, details…
@InFrom @murftastic
I think I may have a good guess, but will wait for confirmation;
hopefully soon.
@murftastic @rjquillin My guess is the Alturas.
@rjquillin Sorry, y’all, can’t edit and late night brain didn’t edit dual offer. My review was for the Alturas.
@murftastic All good, highlight posted.
A previous offer from Paul for a different bottle;
that sold out.
2029-2070?
@losthighwayz That’s the type of precision you expect in wine journalism, no?
@KitMarlot @losthighwayz Well if I only buy 4 bottles, I’m pretty sure none of them will make it to 2029. Personally, I’m just hoping that I make it to 2029!
I buy these wines on a regular basis. This is an exception offer! Paul and Jackie provide excellent customer service, too.
Typically an autobuy for me… buuut, it’s still in the 90’s here!! Last time it shipped out in 9 days after placing the order. If only the expected delivery date were true, I’d be in for a case.
@TechnoViking well, we are at the time of year of rapid weather changes to hopefully by the time this ships it won’t be 90’s anymore. (unless you are in the SW in Summer, in which case, I’ll say… WHY?).
I have had some experiences with UPS delayed due to “late trailer” meaning it got to distribution center too late to deliver the next morning. So it spent an extra day waiting. I mentioned this to UPS driver and he assured me it would have been in the air-conditioned warehouse and not just sitting in a truck all day. We can hope, anyway.
@jrbw3 @kasandrae quote from danandlisa (above) “Both my wallet and my storage has no more room.”
The Halcon looks like a great deal but after I pick up from y’all my budget for the rest of the year is done
Anyone up for a split?! Lol
@ttboy23 I’m grabbing the last case today for our next meet. If you’d like me to grab this one too…we can meet a little later, with a little more wine…
How much more are you saving by buying a full case?
(Note: Tax & Shipping not included in savings calculations)
2017 Halcón Vineyards Syrah Duo - $25 = 9.79%
@chipgreen @pjmartin @boatman72 @marikar @Lonadoonage I surely don’t need more wine but…
@mrn1 @chipgreen @boatman72 @marikar @lonadoonage
/giphy jerky-fatty-mouth
Way ahead of you. I grabbed a case, but hoarding syndrome is taking over and I only want to share half of the case. Who is in for the other half?
I just finished the last glass of a bottle of '17 Alturas last night. The bottle was opened Tuesday eve and sat with a stopper on the counter. SWMBO remarked Tuesday - “oh, I like this wine” which is a ticket to buy on it’s own, but this wine is delicious. Dark purple color, a nose full of flowers and dark berries. On the palate blackberries and blueberries; tastes like purple. Tannins were enough to be noticed and worked with the long finish to bring you back to the glass. The last glass brought out all the savory notes, smoked meats, some soy, but the fruit was still there as well. This is excellent Syrah. I am swimming in Syrah after the Andrew Muyrray delivery yesterday and the shipping notice from Paul @ Halcon for the Fall release in my inbox this morning. But what a deal!
@Boatman72 @chipgreen @marikar @mrn1 @pjmartin I’m intrigued by this but could go either way… very indecisive. So if someone else wants the other half, great. If everyone wants more I’d be in for 4 or 6.
@Boatman72 @chipgreen @lonadoonage @marikar @pjmartin I’d be happy with 4 or 6 also. Let’s see who else chimes in and then maybe we’ll grab a 2nd case. Pete, let us know if you would really prefer to keep your case to yourself. Certainly wouldn’t hurt my feelings.
A couple reviews:
By Antonio Galloni
(Vinous) 94 points
(Halcón Alturas California Red) The 2017 Alturas is another stellar wine in this range. Rich and deep in feel, the 2017 has a bit more body than is typical for the Halcón wines, and yet it retains all of the signatures of the house style. Firm tannins wrap around a core of red fruit, licorice, wild flowers, herbs and rose petal. The 2017 is pretty alluring today, but it will be even better in another few years’ time, once all the elements have come together a bit more fully. (Drink between 2022-2029)
By Antonio Galloni
(Vinous) 92 points
(Halcón Elevacion California Red) Halcón’s 2017 Elevacion (Syrah) is dense and quite powerful at this stage. Ripe dark cherry, plum, game, tobacco and licorice add striking layers of dimension. Burly tannins give the 2017 a slightly round around the edges feel. Another year or two in bottle will help, but the signatures of the vintage are impossible to fully escape. Even so, there is plenty to look forward to. (Drink between 2021-2029)
Like many of you, I was a bit torn on this one. I’m overloaded with Syrah, but really want to try this. The 4 pack is a reasonable per bottle premium over the case price at less than 10% (thanks, Chip!) so away I go…
/giphy round-offhand-shake
Some more pro press on the Alturas:
92 points John Gilman
"The 2017 Syrah ‘Alturas’ from Halcón Vineyards includes three percent viognier this year, and again saw fifty percent whole clusters utilized. The wine is low octane this year, coming in at 12.7 percent and offering up a complex nose of dark berries, lavender, smoked meats, pepper, sweet stems, a beautifully complex base of soil, just a touch of cedar and a smoky topnote. On the palate the wine is pure, full-bodied and tightly-knit, with a good core, great transparency, ripe, well-integrated tannins, superb balance and grip and a very long, youthful and promising finish. This is going to age into a beautiful middleweight style of syrah that reminds me very much of some of those great Côte-Rôties from vintages such as 1979, 1985 and 1988. Very refined juice. "(1/2020)
91 points Jeb Dunnuck
"The 2017 Syrah Alturas checks in as the normal mix of 97% Syrah and 3% Viognier. Its ruby/plum color is followed by classic Syrah notes of blackberries, wildflowers, ground pepper, and damp earth. Reminding me of a Côte Rôtie from the southern part of the appellation, it has a rounded, elegant texture, fine tannins, and outstanding length. Give bottles 2-3 years. "(11/2019)
91 points Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate
“The 2017 Syrah Alturas was made with 50% whole cluster and co-fermented with 3% Viognier. It was aged in mostly neutral oak, with just one new French 500-liter puncheon for a total of about 10% new oak. Medium to deep ruby-purple, it has a very pretty nose of boysenberry and blueberry preserves, exotic spices and oodles of floral perfume with notions of soil, chocolate, peppered meats, strawberry jam and dried orange peel. Medium to full-bodied, it has a good core of fruits layered with spices and flowers, with a firm frame of grainy tannins and good freshness, finishing long and savory.” (EB) (12/2019)
And Wine Enthusiast on the Halcón 2017 Elevacion Estate Syrah (Yorkville Highlands)
92 Points. This wine is tight and medium-bodied, appetizing but a bit austere at this stage in its life. Graphite, very dark chocolate, roasted herbs and blackberry flavors rest on firm tannins and good acidity. It should mature into more richness after 2023. JG 4/1/20
https://www.winemag.com/buying-guide/halcon-2017-elevacion-estate-syrah-yorkville-highlands/
96 Points Elevacion from grapelive.com (?)…a nice little blurb…
http://www.grapelive.com/?p=15777
fwiw
2017 Halcón Vineyards Elevación Estate Syrah, Yorkville Highlands
Our lab rat bottle of Elevación arrived Wednesday afternoon. We are big Syrah fans, so this was a lovely surprise. This is a particularly hectic time so I (hubby) am pitch-hitting submitting comments. We chilled the bottle and made a quick menu change to accompany Syrah. This has a lovely dark plum color with aromas of black cherry, blackberry, and cassis. When first opened, subtle flavors of blackberry, blueberry, dark cherry were prominent. These subsided as the wine opened up to become more savory. As expected for a good Syrah, the tannins were notable and there is a black peppery finish. It paired very well with a grilled ribeye and Gorgonzola ravioli with a brown butter sage sauce. Saved remainder on the counter with a vacu-vin stopper. The second evening tasting was decidedly less fruit forward and more savory - paired very well with a nice blue cheese. Elevación is an excellent representation of a Syrah. It drinks well now, but should get even better with age. Our storage runneth over, but we can’t pass on this delicious Syrah.
@pseudogourmet98 thank you for the report. love the food pairing.
Heading out to walk the dog. Hopefully this is sold out when I get back
@kaolis Well, I see 4 packs are gone…hmmmm
/giphy nerdy-laborious-kiwi
/giphy countless-playful-spider
/giphy downy-touching-oak
So is there a 50-50 case split coming to LA or not? Halcon at these prices… @rjquillin @losthiwayz @cortot @scottw58 @markdaspark @davirom @i8dacat @funnywontons
@klezman I’m tapped from the last few purchases for awhile.
@klezman was not sure and fearing a sellout I ordered a 4 pack
@klezman I’ll split with you. You want to order to your place and i’ll square up at the Swap Meet?
@losthighwayz The four-packs are sold out, so it’s close!
@radiolysis Done. It’ll be with your Qupé dessert wines (which are delicious, btw).
/giphy navigable-fearful-powder
@klezman fantastico!
@cortot @scottw58 @markdaspark @davirom @i8dacat @funnywontons @klezman @radiolysis
Your order number is: mimicking-wrecked-brick
guess we’ll figure out what to do with them.
@funnywontons @i8dacat @klezman @MarkDaSpark @radiolysis @rjquillin @ScottW58 I can’t tell from reading the thread, are any of these left to share? I would like 1 or 2 sets. . .
@davirom @funnywontons @i8dacat @klezman @MarkDaSpark @radiolysis @ScottW58
Klez, did you order up a case as well…?
It seems there will be.
@davirom @funnywontons @i8dacat @MarkDaSpark @radiolysis @rjquillin @ScottW58 I’m splitting a case with radiolysis.
@funnywontons @i8dacat @klezman @MarkDaSpark @radiolysis @rjquillin @ScottW58 I realize I was late to the party. No biggie.
@davirom @funnywontons @i8dacat @klezman @MarkDaSpark @radiolysis @ScottW58
Well, there is a second one heading your way as well…
So it would seem plenty to go around.
@davirom @funnywontons @i8dacat @klezman @MarkDaSpark @radiolysis @rjquillin
Well I’m not looking for a vertical so if you want to part with 2 or 3 of the Elevación I would take those? Oh and not for a week or so I’m still feeling crappy although I don’t have the covid…thank God.
@davirom @funnywontons @i8dacat @MarkDaSpark @radiolysis @rjquillin @ScottW58
Um…I designate Ron and davirom to sort out the other case, even if it’s coming to me.
@davirom @funnywontons @i8dacat @klezman @radiolysis @rjquillin @ScottW58
Not a Vertical, but a Horizontal. Vertical is multiple years of the same wine, same location. Horizontal is the same year of the same wine, but different locations.
@funnywontons @i8dacat @klezman @MarkDaSpark @radiolysis @rjquillin @ScottW58 I went back through the thread and klez and radiolysis are splitting a case. I don’t want more than 4 and I don’t know how many rjq wants, but it seems the other case has bottles available. Who wants in?
@davirom @funnywontons @i8dacat @klezman @MarkDaSpark @radiolysis @ScottW58
davirom, you can certainly have four, I assume two each.
Scott wanted some of the Elevation; could work, but that leaves things a bit unbalanced.
Any other interest?
@davirom @funnywontons @i8dacat @MarkDaSpark @radiolysis @rjquillin @ScottW58 If @losthiwayz cancelled his other order it would probably be really easy to split the rest. But I’m going to step back again and wait for instructions.
@davirom @funnywontons @i8dacat @MarkDaSpark @radiolysis @rjquillin @ScottW58
So what’s going on with this second case of Halcon sitting in my living room? It’s not even on Ron’s spreadsheet! All that seems set is that davirom wants 2 of each.
That leaves 4 of each remaining.
@davirom @i8dacat @klezman @MarkDaSpark @radiolysis @rjquillin @ScottW58
I wasn’t in on it originally, but I’m up for a couple if you need someone to jump in.
@funnywontons @i8dacat @klezman @MarkDaSpark @radiolysis @rjquillin @ScottW58 I wouldn’t mind broadening this topic and maybe taking it to the SoCal Swap Meet thread because I also have unclaimed wine in my living room. Specifically 3 bottles of Martin Ray Merlot originally requested by halwarning and purchased by rjquillin. I also have 30ish bottles that are spoken for.
@davirom @funnywontons @i8dacat @MarkDaSpark @radiolysis @rjquillin @ScottW58 Yeah, the swap meet thread can get its own treatment of outstanding bottles. Good idea.
So right now I’ve got davirom down for 4 bottles, funnywontons down for 2. 3 of each wine remain unclaimed. Given what I’ve heard about the Elevacion I can take an extra pair if that’ll help, leaving 2 of each.
@davirom @funnywontons @i8dacat @klezman @MarkDaSpark @radiolysis @rjquillin
After all is said and done I will take 2 of the Elevacion if available.
@davirom @funnywontons @i8dacat @klezman @MarkDaSpark @radiolysis @ScottW58 @cortot
Updated the ss with what I think I can deduce, but it’s a bit difficult to actually know.
I was hoping to get some of the '16 after the ‘17 so, but it seems that didn’t happen, despite what the shipping label indicated.
@davirom, 2 sets, four bottles
@funnywontons, 2 bottles or two sets of two?
@scottw58, it really would be nice if it were sets, and not cherry picked, just sayin’, but if there are leftovers, why not…
Anybody left out?
@CorTot @davirom @funnywontons @i8dacat @klezman @MarkDaSpark @radiolysis @rjquillin
If it’s a hassle just leave me out on this one, I probably have enough wine.
@CorTot @davirom @funnywontons @i8dacat @klezman @MarkDaSpark @radiolysis @ScottW58
How could that possibly be!?
Not a hassle, bottles already up with Klez, just poking your for your specificity.
@CorTot @davirom @funnywontons @i8dacat @MarkDaSpark @radiolysis @rjquillin
funny - I’m going to put two sets in a box for you for next weekend’s meetup.
Cory? Sparky? i8dacat? Can I interest you in the last pair? I’m already bringing wine for all of you next week…
@CorTot @davirom @i8dacat @klezman @MarkDaSpark @radiolysis @rjquillin
Sounds good to me! Thanks!
@funnywontons
Unless you also want the last set…
@funnywontons @klezman fine, put them in my box…
@CorTot @davirom @funnywontons @i8dacat @klezman @MarkDaSpark @radiolysis
This has been entertaining to read.
Now, if only there was a bottle or two of the '16…
@rjquillin you’ve turned me into a wine pusher.
@klezman @rjquillin I’m glad you enjoyed watching my will power erode.
was going to be in for 4 pack. guess I’m not, since they just sold out.
unless some magically reappear.
as happens sometimes…
@pmarin I’m waving my wand and hopefully some will appear soon.
@pmarin Is that a first? I joined late, but I don’t recall ever seeing a sellout of the small lot…
@KitMarlot Well, if a wine sells out completely, doesn’t it mean that lots big and small are gone? There’ve been many sellouts.
@InFrom I meant a sellout of the small lot first
@pmarin my magic wand was a little slow but there are more 4 packs now
@InFrom @KitMarlot It’s the first time that I know of, that the ‘small lot’ has sold out first. I think the reason may be that very reasonable price for the “small lot”. I had some of the other Halcón wine, and I certainly wanted at least a little of this for comparison, but jammed up with wine, so the ‘small lot’ was unusually attractive for me, and I guess others.
@InFrom @KitMarlot @PatrickKarcher
If I recall correctly, there was the Iron Horse mixed still/bubbly offer back in early 2019. There was no savings advantage to the case over the 4-pack. I’m pretty sure the 4-packs sold out first on that offer.
In for a case!
/giphy maddening-abstracted-thistle
@knlprez if anyone from Denver wants a bottle or two, let me know! We are happy to keep the entire case, though.
@knlprez With all the happiness on this one from other members, I’d take one of each…thanks!
More 4 pack just added
@WCCWineGirl Thanks for the magic. It’s always Epic turning something into wine. Even if it’s turning cases of wine into smaller boxes of wine, it’s all Good!
/giphy damaging-quaint-slug
In for a 4 pack
/giphy worthwhile-weighty-panther
My wife gave me grief about the prices on the Andrew Murray case. But she loved the two bottles we sampled. Only going for a 4 pack here because, well, I don’t need too much grief in such short period of time
/giphy omnivorous triumphant cellar
I can’t believe there’s still any of this left!
@klezman And you know if Paul had showed up, it would have been long gone way before now.
Kinda sad, he could have added a lot to this.
@klezman Well, the fours are gone again.
Any more 4-pack magic left in the ol’ wand before this turns into a pumpkin?
I don’t know where I’m going to put them, but couldn’t resist. Sigh…
/giphy jokey-calamitous-vein
When you spend all day talking yourself into a 4 pack because you really really don’t need more wine, then the 4 packs sell out for the 2nd time…you buy a case
/giphy inconsistent-juicy-eel
@catcoland did literally the exact same thing.