Winemaker Notes
Inky purple to its essence, the 2017 Lucia Soberanes Syrah explodes with savory notes of black peppercorn, cedar, anise, and bacon. A structure of soft, elegant tannin envelops notes of clove, smoked meat, and dark berries. Added depth and complexity are attained through generous whole cluster fermentation, together with long aging in the cellar in 60- and 132 gallon French oak barrels. The cool, windy rows of the Soberanes Vineyard produce fruit with great acidity and a sturdy backbone of structure. The softer tannins will drink well now or age beautifully for over a decade in the cellar.
Professional Ratings
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Wine Enthusiast
Dark in the glass, this Syrah offers hearty aromas of peppercorn, lavender, elderberry and asphalt on the nose. Savory flavors of lamb and rosemary meet with elderberry compote, violet and eucalyptus, all wrapped in chalky, sticky tannins. Drink 2021–2037.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2017 Syrah Soberanes Vineyard was made using 100% whole cluster and about 30% new oak. Very deep purple-black in color, the nose opens to aromas of violets, crushed granite, menthol, cassis, smoked meat touches and an impenetrable core of blue and black fruits. Full-bodied, dense and intense in the mouth with tons of juicy, spicy, savory and blue fruits, it has firm, chewy tannins and just enough freshness to lift the dense finish.
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Wine Spectator
Taut and focused, with a vibrant core of raspberry and grilled herb flavors that builds tension and density toward firm tannins. Hands off for now. Best from 2021 through 2029.
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.