Winemaker Notes
This wine shows inky purple hues in the glass. Attractive aromas of blackberries, wild plum, and leather are supported by white pepper and crushed violets. The flavors of purple fruits and savory spices go perfectly with the bright acidity and a silky texture to display classic cool-climate Syrah character.
Professional Ratings
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Tasting Panel
Deep ruby hue with an opulent and chewy palate. It’s meaty and lush yet still balanced and complex: Beneath the flesh beats a heart of pure acidity. If more people made Syrah this good, the variety would be more popular.
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Wine Enthusiast
Fresh and zesty on the nose, this organically grown bottling offers pepper, game, tar and loads of boysenberry aromas, clicking all the boxes. Polished tannins and an underlying acidity lift the balanced boysenberry and violet flavors.
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Connoisseurs' Guide
Made in a lighter, somewhat higher-acid style that seems sure to please those who like that direction, but perhaps disappointing to those who want more meat on their Syrah’s bones, this wine offers a solid base of well-composed, blackberry fruit along with an ample dollop of creamy oak. It is medium-full in body and brisk on the palate without being overly tight, and, rather than needing savory meats for an accompaniment, it will mate very happily with a loin lamb chop.
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.