2021 Syrah Watch Hill

Zac Wasserman is now on his own after a number of years working alongside Joey Tensley. Di Palermo is Wasserman’s Chardonnay/Pinot Noir project, while Frequency focuses on Rhône-variety wines. The 2021s from Di Palermo are superb. Over the last few vintages, Wasserman has sharpened his focus on these wines, crafting Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs that show more energy and articulation than his early efforts. I found the Frequency range a bit more variable. I suspect much of that has to do with the bottles being opened the night before my tasting for the purposes of aeration. Over the years and with considerable experience, I have learned this strategy is risky, especially with young wines in high-acid vintages. Aeration can help open just-bottled wines, but it can also shut them down hard. Even so, the Frequency wines have plenty to offer.