The Withers Mr. Burgess El Dorado Syrah 2019 750ml

Mr. Burgess is named for the Connemara pony that appears on every label from The Withers, and this 2019 Syrah is the winery's tribute to the great hills of Hermitage and Cornas.

The Withers was founded by collector Andrew Tow, with David Low of Anthill Farms making the wines. The project favors cool, high-elevation sites, whole-cluster fermentation, limited oak and a minimal-intervention approach.

The fruit comes from El Dorado in California's Sierra Foothills, where vineyards sit between 1,200 and 3,500 feet on volcanic rock, shale and decomposed granite. Altitude keeps the acidity brisk.

Expect lavender, violets, cassis and pencil shavings on the nose. The palate brings dark stone fruit, a little game and both black and white pepper over a medium-bodied, mineral frame.

Choose a ripe, jammy bottle from our Shiraz and Syrah shelf for weight and sweetness of fruit; pick Mr. Burgess when you want pepper, lift and a wine that tastes of place. More mountain reds live among our California wines.

Decant it for 30 minutes and serve around 60°F. Try it with duck, lamb sausages or swordfish. Pick it up at our Brooklyn store or get same-day delivery in Brooklyn, Manhattan & Queens.