2014 Pence, Syrah “Sebastiano” Sta. Rita Hills.
The new Pence winery, founded in 2010, is a wonderful surprise, these beautiful and soulful wines are hand-crafted by Sashi Moorman, of Stolpman, Piedrasassi, Sandhi and Evening Land from selected sites in Santa Barbara County and the Sta. Rita Hills. The latest set, which includes a fun and lively Gamay, two pretty and lengthy Pinot Noir(s) and a distinct Chardonnay, as well as this gorgeous and spicy Syrah from the John Sebastiano Vineyard. The 2014 Pence Sebastiano Syrah is opulent and rich, not as stem driven as Sashi’s other wines, but with nice cool climate character, showing blackberry, boysenberry, wild plum and blueberry fruits in a very dark purple/garnet hued wine that also delivers dense texture and a background of mineral, crushed gravel, savory elements, anise, black olives and pepper. As it opens, this Syrah gives sweet violets, faint cedar and lingering kirsch, making for a fine and alluring wine of expressive layers, depth and refined details with a good lift of acidity and polished tannins that hold things together. There is a lot to admire here and the Pence label is without question is one to watch, especially this Syrah and the fine Pinot Noir(s) that are drinking very sexy right now!
($68 Est.) 94 Points, grapelive

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