Benevolent Neglect is two winemaking friends who make some of our favourite small-scale wines. This is classic cool-climate Syrah from one of the most well regarded Syrah vineyards in Sonoma Carneros, the Las Madres vineyard. Similar to the main-release Las Madres Syrah, the Whole Cluster is a special edition of the same wine made entirely with whole cluster fermentation, resulting in a style that comes closer to true Northern Rhône. The nose is blood oranges and dark spices, with a woodsy, umami character that brings to mind wild mushrooms and herb-roasted game. Bacon fat, too. The palate is gutsier, with a forward punch of dark berries accented by a savoury vanillin lick from the Hungarian oak treatment. The finish is sustained, with an elegance and silky texture that totally overshadows its relatively high alcohol content.