Winemaker Notes
Because this Syrah grows in a relatively cool region, it is able to produce intense fruit full of bright blue fruit flavors. The strong marine influence, combined with well-drained gravelly loam soils of Chular, delivers fruit that showcases more of a soft expression rather than overly bold and robust flavors.
Professional Ratings
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Wine Enthusiast
This is an exuberant and crunchy display of cool-climate Syrah from a vineyard planted in 1997, starting with aromas of bay leaf, wild herb, peppercorns, coffee husks, raw lamb and underripe boysenberry on the nose. Crisp fruit flavors pop on the palate before the peppery spices and gamy meat flavors take hold.
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.