Behrens & Hitchcock Homage to Ed Oliveira Alder Springs Vineyard Syrah (Mendocino County) 2004

Interesting to compare to the "4 Blocks" Syrah we had last night. Same producer. Same grape. Same vintage. Same AVA. Both bought directly from winery on release and aged in the same cellar. Clearly siblings, but the Homage is further along. Less fruit. Instead, many more maturity markers like leather, game, and dried fruit. Despite a whopping 15+% alcohol, it was balanced on the palate. Moderate tannins on the finish suggest continued aging potential. Grade: B+