2009 Samsara, Syrah “Melville Vineyard” Sta. Rita Hills.
This is absolutely my kind of Syrah, this stuff hit magic notes with me, and what a value for the quality, a wine full of personality, charm and vigor from the nose to the lengthy finish, I must confess this wine knocked my socks off. Chad Melville and his wife Mary craft the Samsara wines, separate from the Melville estate, but clearly they know where to find some prime grapes. I have always liked the Samsara wines, but this latest set are stunning wines that set Chad’s efforts apart from his family’s wines that are made by Greg Brewer, of Brewer-Clifton fame, there seems to be a certain rawness and natural element that shows through here in Samsara that I find appealing. This 2009 Samsara Melville Syrah opens in the glass with a heady perfume of violets, black olives and white pepper which lead to a whole cluster driven palate of blueberry, truffle, tarry licorice, cassis and back plum. Savory elements lift the fruit core with chalky mineral, pepper and smoke adding interest, while acidity and ripe tannins firm things up. Look for this complex and detailed Syrah to drink well for another 5 plus years and maybe another decade.
($38 Est.) 95 Points, grapelive
