2022 Santa Lucia Highlands "Sierra Mar Vineyard" Syrah
100% Syrah
Sierra Mar Vineyard is located towards the southern end of the Santa Lucia Highlands American Viticultural Area (AVA). As a result, while still displaying plenty of cool-climate savory goodness, it does typically exhibit warmer dark berry tones than Syrahs from the north end of the AVA. Picked under lights in the wee hours of September 28th, 82% of the fruit was destemmed while 18% was left as whole cluster. Five-day cold soak. Twenty days on the skins. Aged in all French oak, only 17% new. As usual, unfined and unfiltered.
Tasting Note:
Dark violet-purple. A full pour is nearly opaque. On the nose, blackberries and white iris. An ethereal whiff of ruby-red grapefruit as well. The wine enters medium-full to full bodied with flavors of blackberry, violets, and a touch of white pepper. While slightly bigger boned than its sibling from Soberanes, it’s every bit as balanced and refined. Think Cornas versus Côte-Rôtie. Give this dark, delicious Syrah a few more years in bottle and enjoy through 2042. (MRO - 01/16/25)