Kongsgaard is best known for benchmark Napa Chardonnay, but its small-production Syrah, from a rocky, low-yielding Carneros site, is equally serious and highly rated, ranking in Wine Searcher`s world`s top ten of this variety. Style-wise it sits between Cote-Rotie and Hermitage. dark, savoury and peppery rather than jammy. Expect wild blackberry, smoked meat, gunflint and black pepper aromas, with a firm, spicy palate and fresh acidity from the cool 2023 growing season. Youthful and intense now, it will reward a few years in the cellar. Good with game or charcuterie.