2021 Samuel Louis Smith "Sandstone Terrace" Santa Cruz Mountains Syrah

Staff Reviews

AL

Alex Leonardini

Alex Leonardini

The pretty, lifted nose of this wine screams one thing: Syrah. Right out the gate, this is Syrah through-and-through, albeit an elegant, fresh style. Wild blackberry, cracked black pepper, and crushed graphite swirl into a vortex of intensely aromatic complexity. Fresh violets, white pepper, and subtle white smoke join the fray, and the longer your nosed stays in the glass, the more aromas float forth. Upon first sip, that same nervy energy is immediately apparent- these are wines with something to say; a story to tell. Bright, crackling acidity washes over chalky tannins and carries the wine through a vibrant and spiced finish.

Notes

From two vineyards in the Santa Cruz Mountains: Nelson Vineyard - high in the range at almost 2,000ft elevation near Skyline Rd, and Gali Vineyard at around 600ft, close to the ocean in the southern part of the AVA. Both sites have decomposed sandstone soils. Composed of Syrah, 80% of which was whole cluster fermented. The wine underwent native alcoholic and malolactic fermentation then aged 10 months in 38% second-fill and 62% neutral French oak barrels. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. Tasting notes from the producer: "Dark purple. Black plum, brambleberry, white pepper, and dried violets are followed by black fruits, cured and smoked meats, and savory spices on the palate. Medium bodied with elegant chalky tannins."