Winemaker Notes
This wine shows inky purple hues in the glass. Attractive aromas of blackberries, crushed violets, graphite, and dark chocolate are supported by flavors of black fruit and savory herbs. The rich fruit is balanced by bright acidity and elegant tannins – displaying classic cool-climate syrah character.
Professional Ratings
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Wine Enthusiast
Syrah from the Santa Lucia Highlands makes for one of the most reliable additions to any cellar, and this bottling is a prime example. Aromas of blueberry, açaí and purple flowers make for a straightforward nose while the palate picks up savory tones of soy, cured meat and black pepper to pair with the boysenberry core. Drink now–2039.
Cellar Selection
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.