2012 Piedrasassi, Syrah, Santa Barbara County.
Sashi Moorman’s Piedrasassi label is home to some of California’s most exciting Syrah, and this new vintage, 2012 Santa Barbara County is wonderful and extremely northern Rhone in style, dare I say very Cornas, with deep complexity, stem inclusion and spicy character. While the Syrah is the main focus, Sashi has been experimenting with Sangiovese and a unique skin contact white made from Sauvignon Blanc and Albarino, both of which are interesting and very tasty, as well Moorman makes the Stolpman Vineyards wines, plus his project with Raj Parr, Domaine de la Cote, crafting Pinot Noir. The latest Piedrasassi Syrah starts with blueberry, violets, black olives and dried celery seed and pepper leading to a palate of boysenberry, tangy plum, blackberry and cherry fruits along with mineral, earth and basil/licorice with a hint of cedar and briar. This is thrilling stuff, well judged and with a beautiful dark garnet hue, you can drink it now and or age it a few years, this wine is very worthy of your interest and will deliver an evening of rewarding Syrah. The nice cool climate firmness and non aggressive alcohol and vibrancy really keep the energy and focus, this is top drawer California Syrah, drink from 2015 to 2021.
($36 Est.) 94 Points, grapelive