2013 Peay Vineyards, Syrah, Les Titans, Sonoma Coast.
One of California’s best and an ultra cool climate Syrah, the Peay Les Titans has that Cote-Rotie class and Cornas old world character that purists love, and this 2013 is a stunner effort from Vanessa Wong-Peay. The Les Titans is intense and blooding with black fruit and an amazing bluish purple/garnet hue in the glass along with sexy floral and spicy notes, this is a do not miss miss wine! Along side a gorgeous set of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay offerings the Les Titans really stood out in a lineup poured by Andy Peay, but be sure to also keep an eye out for the 2014 Peay Estate Chardonnay and all of the 2014 Peay Pinots, these are some of the most sublime and detailed examples of varietal I’ve tasted from Peay. The 2013 Peay Les Titans Sonoma Coast Estate Syrah starts with dried violets, cracked pepper, tangy lavender, creme de cassis and hints of graphite embers leading to a full palate of low alcohol intensity with blackberry, boysenberry, wild plum and tart blueberry fruits along with black olives, minty licorice, kirsch, cedar, shaved cinnamon stick, bacon and subtle smoke and earthy fig. Sea breezes, salty/briny foggy nights and long a hang time add to the complexity and allure of this stellar Sonoma Coast Syrah, refined tannin, energy and balance give me reason to believe it has a bright future ahead, it should develop even more interesting elements over time, this is a massively rewarding wine with even greater potential, drink a few now and hold a few for as long as possible, best from 2018 to 2026.
($52 Est.) 94 Points, grapelive