2023 Errazuriz Syrah Las Pizarras (Pre-arrival)

“The 2023 Las Pizarras Syrah stands out as one of Chile’s most aromatically exotic and intense examples of Syrah, beginning with an alluring bouquet of black fruits, grilled meats, incense, sandalwood and purple flowers. The palate is exceptionally dense, concentrated and taut, culminating in a lifted, multidimensional finish that strikes a midpoint between rich, savory and refreshing. Similar to my experience with the 2022 iteration of this wine, the nose here continuously evolves, revealing an increasingly floral and perfumed complexity. It fermented with 15% whole clusters and matured for 16 months in 60% French barrels and 40% Austrian foudre. I was impressed by the new releases from Errázuriz, now overseen by Technical Director Emily Faulconer, who joined after Francisco Baettig’s departure. These bottlings were tasted on two occasions: first, at the winery in Panquehue with Faulconer and Chief Winemaker Tomás Muñoz, who manages the Reserva, Aconcagua Costa and Don Maximiano bottlings, and then with a tasting in Los Angeles. The latest set of Las Pizarras bottlings is outstanding—I was particularly drawn to the Syrah bottling in this vintage—and I enjoyed the two most recent releases of Don Maximiano. Errázuriz seems to be in very capable hands, and I look forward to seeing what innovations arise from the fresh perspective of a new team at the helm.”