Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Jeb Dunnuck
The tiny production 2015 Syrah Soberanes Vineyard is a sensational Syrah that has complexity, elegance and richness. Upfront and perfumed aromatically, yet with serious intensity in its violets, flowers, blueberries, toasty oak and spice, it has an elegant, seamless style on the palate that's already hard to resist. Reminding me of a silky Côte Rôtie from the southern end of the appellation, it needs 2-3 years of bottle age and will keep for a decade.
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Wine Enthusiast
Baked blackberry, vanilla, caramel and tar on the nose make for a very inviting entry into this rich Syrah from Bibiana González Rave, whose father-in-law, Gary Pisoni, co-developed this vineyard. A firm structure to the sip gives backbone to the lush flavors of dark berry, purple flowers, smoky campfire, maple and bacon fat.
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Wine Spectator
Deeply structured, with vivid blackberry, black olive and bitter chocolate aromas that open to intense blueberry, smoked pepper and mineral notes that take on muscle and tannins on the finish. Hands off for now. Best from 2019 through 2028.
Marked by an unmistakable deep purple hue and savory aromatics, Syrah makes an intense, powerful and often age-worthy red. Native to the Northern Rhône, Syrah achieves its maximum potential in the steep village of Hermitage and plays an important component in the Red Rhône Blends of the south, adding color and structure to Grenache and Mourvèdre. Syrah is the most widely planted grape of Australia and is important in California and Washington. Sommelier Secret—Such a synergy these three create together, the Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre trio often takes on the shorthand term, “GSM.”
Perhaps the most highly regarded appellation within Monterey County, Santa Lucia Highlands AVA benefits from a combination of warm morning sunshine and brisk afternoon breezes, allowing grapes to ripen slowly and fully. The result is concentrated, flavorful wines that retain their natural acidity. Wineries here do not shy away from innovation, and place a high priority on sustainable viticultural practices.
The climatic conditions here are perfectly suited to the production of ripe, rich Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. These Burgundian varieties dominate an overwhelming percentage of plantings, though growers have also found success with Syrah, Riesling and Pinot Gris.