2011 Santa Lucia Highlands "Sierra Mar Vineyard" Syrah
100% Syrah
Humma humma! Man, did Sierra Mar ever hit it out of the park in 2011! Both selections, Alban Baby Block and Alban #1, were picked on October 27th at 25.8 Brix. Similar to 2010, we decided to do approximately one-third whole cluster. We like the spice that the stems add to the aromas and flavors. After 18 days on the skins, the wine was pressed to all French oak, 30% new. Unfined, unfiltered, and un-freakin’-believably delicious
Tasting Note:
Opaque inky-purple. A vinous black hole. A heavenly bouquet of blackberry cobbler is highlighted by incense and flowers. Just thinking about how this wine smells makes me salivate! The wine hits the palate with great richness and viscosity but ample acidity and fine-grained tannins keeps the wine fresh and lively. Flavors of crème de cassis, blackberry liqueur, and blood orange flow through the minute-long finish. Enjoy this compelling Syrah from release through 2020. (MRO – 01/17/13)