2023 Santa Lucia Highlands "Sierra Mar Vineyard" Syrah
100% Syrah
Along with Soberanes Vineyard Syrah, this was our last fruit of the year, coming in on November 3rd. That’s nearly five weeks later than when we picked in 2022! Seventeen percent of the fruit was not destemmed to add a touch of spice. The must was cold soaked for only four days as fermentation began on its own. Late into harvest it’s hard to keep things from NOT fermenting! Nineteen days on the skins. All French oak, 28% new. Unfined and unfiltered.
Tasting Note:
Inky purple in color. Opaque. A drop-dead gorgeous nose of mulberry, blueberry, roasted meat, white pepper, and lilies. Simply stunning. On the palate, medium-full bodied with flavors of blackberry, black pepper, white pepper, and licorice. This eclipses my previous two favorite renditions, the 2018 and the 2021. Fitting since it is also the last. As great as this wine is on first pour, it’s even better on day two. Drink from 2026 through 2044. (MRO - 07/15/26)