Winemaker Notes
This wine shows inky purple hues in the glass. Attractive aromas of boysenberry
jam, white pepper, and anise are supported by flavors of savory and black
fruits. The rich fruit is balanced by bright acidity and elegant tannins – displaying
classic cool-climate syrah character.
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
Savory and polished aromas of blood plums, cured meat, dried herbs and licorice. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins and bright acidity, giving notes of pomegranates, pepper, potpourri and violets. Nicely constructed with a reductive edge.
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Vinous
The 2022 Syrah Double L Vineyard is inky and opaque in the glass. Plum, blackberry and black currant leap up the nose—it’s so aromatic and peppery. Savory nuances sneak in with some air, but things get a little hollow through the mid-palate. There’s a good bit of juicy acidity here, yet I find the chalky tannins a touch austere on the close.
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.