93 Points, Wine Enthusiast:  This bottling is a nod to the Rhône Valley in France. It is a high-elevation, dry-farmed planting with low yields. Aromas are fresh and opulent, with black raspberry, lingonberry, black licorice, dried potpourri and toasted vanilla on the nose. Complex flavors on the palate include dark plum, blood orange peel, coriander and sedimentary rock, with a mouthwatering finish. Decant and enjoy with roasted suckling pig. 

93 Points, Jeb Dunnuck / Virginie Boone: "The 2022 Syrah is a supple, extremely well-balanced embrace of Rhône-like meatiness and lavender, the Syrah co-fermented with 4% Viognier. Rounded tannins wrap around a medium-bodied core of dark cherry and blood orange fruitiness and tang, as floral spice notes come into play, buoyed by fresh acidity and well-integrated oak. The finish adds a hint of richness in the form of cacao nib. Enjoy now and over the next 12-15 years."

My Notes:  Our 2022 Syrah is another excellent expression of our vineyard’s unique terroir, planted on two of our steepest hillsides, with distinct East and North exposures.  The varying ripening periods between the upper and lower slopes—spanning 2 to 3 weeks—give us four Syrah lots, each harvested and fermented separately.  For this vintage, we blended both East-facing lots with a touch of the upper North slope, while the remainder of the North slope for our 2022 Susan Marie Rosé.

This Syrah opens with enticing aromas of freshly cracked black pepper, dark chocolate, and roasted meat, all embraced by creamy oak.  The palate follows through with flavors of Santa Rosa plum, espresso bean, and toasty oak, framed by a delightful crispness and deep, appetizing tannins.  As a devoted Syrah enthusiast, I find this wine a heartfelt nod to the Côte-Rôtie in the Northern Rhône Valley, showcasing elegance, power, and a sense of place.