2010 Hocus Pocus, Syrah Santa Barbara County.
Peter Hunken leads the way here, making the Hocus Pocus Syrah from select lots of quality grapes. He is pals with Sashi Moorman of Evening Land Vineyards and Stolpman, Jim Knight, and Chad Melville of Samsara and Melville, so he has super connections that make sure he gets great fruit for this tasty Syrah, much like he has done at Holus Bolus. The 2010 Hocus Pocus, Syrah is from the Star Lane Vineyard in the Santa Maria area, and this vintage shows a real classic Syrah profile with with black and blue fruits, black olives, garrique, pepper and melted licorice notes. This is a pure and intriguing wine that has vivid flavors and wonderful vigorous energy with blueberry compote, cassis and tangy plum leading the way and lingering on the long finish. With bright acidity and refined tannins this groovy Syrah should drink well for 3 or 4 years easy.
($22 Est.) 91 Points, grapelive
