This is the tasting note for 2018 Hors Categorie Vineyards Syrah from Robert Parker - with a score of 100. Another impressive bottling for Hors Catégorie, the 2018 Syrah opens with a seductive and aromatic nose filled with smoked lavender, black raspberry skin, umami, hung meats, black olive, red and black peppercorn and spiced plum reduction. Medium to full-bodied, it explodes on the palate, revealing a generous profile with complexity, elegance and finesse. Flavors of turned earth, smoked cherry pie filling, spicy potpourri and worn leather sway across the mid-palate with impeccable balance that will remain a champion for almost two decades. The wine ends with a long, winding, expressive and complex finish that has me coming back for second and third helpings. This comes from a steep vineyard planted on a 60° slope that has been farmed with a biodynamic approach since its inception. Bravo, I want more! If you are lucky enough to find some of this wine, buy it! Only 1,800 bottles were made. 2017 Hors Categorie Vineyards Syrah from this lot has the following scores - The Wine Advocate 98 points, Vinous 97 points, James Suckling 97 points, Jeb Dunnuck 97 points, Wine Enthusiast 96 points.