Tasting Note –  I tasted this during the National Wine Awards, although not blind as the judges did. But wow – same very impressive result. This is  very deeply coloured youthful purple-ruby, fruit drenched syrah. It is so fragrant and delicious, capturing all the right modern syrah notes with gloss, sensuality and authority. Expect heady aromas of black cherry, violet/peony, pepper and vanillin. It is medium weight, very smooth, a touch sweet yet vibrant, with modest 13.9% heat, and fine gritty tannin. Narrows and dries nicely on the finish, with very good to excellent length. Classicists will find this egregiously fruity, but it is done very well. Chill a bit, and only age for three years. This is built to impress and enjoy now. Tasted June 2026
Backgrounder – Mayhem is new label from a partnership between two related couples in Okanagan Falls. One couple is Jak Meyer and Janice Stevens of Meyer Family Vineyard. The other couple are in-laws Terry Meyer (Jak’s sister) and her husband and viticulturalist Andrew Stone. The Mayhem concept seems to embrace less expensive, approachable wines.  The fruit for this boffo syrah was sourced from Gill Estate Vineyard in Golden Mile Slopes, a new sub-app region connecting Osoyoos and Golden Mile Bench, on the more late day shaded east side of the Valley. A long, fall growing season allowed for extended hang time, building depth and concentration. It was fermented with 100% whole berries and matured for 6 months in French oak barriques. 

Accolades: Platinum National Wine Awards of Canada