One is the righthand for Thomas Rivers Brown. And the other, for Julian Fayard.

Together they make Belharra…

We’ve been trying to get our hands on this ultra-boutique project for some time, and we were willing to pay WHATEVER price just to write this coolest of stories.

An up-and-coming collaboration of TWO CULT WINEMAKERS right at $30? We did not see that coming.

What we also didn’t see coming is how ELEGANT (dare we say Pinot-like) these single vineyard Carneros Syrahs can be. Myriad, TOR, and Eric Kent are some of the names you may recognize who frequent this highly sught-after site for the prime fruit adorning their labels. But when you knock on the door of a vineyard owner and say “well, we make wine with Brown and Fayard…” is he gonna say I can’t sell you any fruit?? Don’t think so!

Hauntingly perfumed nose. Of crushed spring flowers, Tellicherry pepper, wild berries, and gunflint. The palate is akin to a warm blueberry cobbler with a bright burst of black and purple fruits, fig marmalade, and baking spices. There’s a touch of savory, pleasantly herbal note of freshness on the long finish that takes you right to the upper echelons of the Northern Rhône. Imagine the lovechild of Croze-Hermitage and Carneros. Cool-climate Syrah heaven! Medium-rare lamb chops with mint chutney, anyone?

We warned ya. Very little of this vintage too, as only 5 barrels were made, also first come…

91-93 Points – Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate

“Vibrant ruby purple, the barrel sample of the 2018 Syrah opens with cassis and blueberry preserves with touches of tar, eucalyptus, coffee grounds and lavender. The medium-bodied palate is pure and fresh with loads of perfume, a grainy texture and long finish. 147 cases will be made.”