2018 Santa Lucia Highlands "Sierra Mar Vineyard" Syrah
100% Syrah
2018 was a phenomenal year for Syrah in the Santa Lucia Highlands. Picked on October 20th at 25.1 Brix, our two selections from this vineyard (Alban 1 and Alban Baby Block) were 80% destemmed with the balance going into tank as whole cluster. We like the spice notes added by the stems but try hard to not let the whole cluster technique mask vineyard expression. Twenty-one days on the skins and aged in all French oak, only 18% new. Bottled unfined and unfiltered.
Tasting Note:
Very dark ruby-purple. Blackberries, sage, smoked meats, and just a kiss of espresso in the deep, concentrated aromas. On the palate, incredibly smooth and well-balanced with flavors of blackberry, white and black peppercorns, and again, just a faint suggestion of roasted coffee. Finishes quite long with very refined tannins. This can most definitely be enjoyed young. Drink from release through 2028. (MRO - 01/15/20)