2009 Piedrasassi, Syrah Central Coast.
This is crazy good Syrah, and remarkably northern Rhone in style with intense verve and spicy stem infused flavors that really taste more like Cornas than Santa Ynez! Sashi Moorman, yes you have heard his name a lot lately, who makes Evening Land and Stolpman wines, has developed his Piedrasassi label into a cutting edge and almost a cult label for those that want interesting and textured Syrah. The 2009 Piedrasassi Central Coast Syrah is a mineral and chalky wine with beautiful medium weight body and lovely detail also has loads of complexity and vigor. The nose has violets, cassis, black olives and white pepper leading to a palate of blueberry, plum, cherry and dried currants with tangy mint, sweet herbs, cracked pepper, licorice and lavender oil. This wine saw a long time in neutral wood, but it is fresh, vibrant and classy with only the slightest of oak notes framing this wonderful wine. The acidity and tannins add structure and lift, so it can be enjoyed now, though I suspect it will fill out and gain depth over the next 2-3 years and drink great for a decade. The new bottle shape and retro look to the Piedrasassi are cool too, but honesty it is all about the wine and you should search this one out, it is super delish.
($45 Est.) 94 Points, grapelive
