Rhys Vineyards, Syrah Horseshoe Vineyard, 2017 (500ml)

Rhys built its reputation on Burgundian elegance through mountain farming, but the Horseshoe Syrah reveals a cool-climate Northern Rhone streak that long-time fans treasure. Grown on the high, stony, low-yield Horseshoe vineyard near the spine of the Santa Cruz Mountains, this Syrah is all about savory aromatics, freshness and detail rather than sheer power. This 2017 comes in a 500ml format, a handy half-plus bottle for a smaller pour or a midweek treat. It still benefits from a decant. A characterful, ageworthy California Syrah for those who lean Cornas over Napa.