Samuel Louis Smith "Sandstone Terrace" Santa Cruz Mountains Syrah 2019

Vinous - Josh Raynolds : 93 Points

(5/2022) Inky ruby. Bright and energetic on the nose, displaying black and blue fruit and floral qualities and building spiciness. In a juicy, fruit-driven style, offering appealingly sweet blackberry, cherry and candied violet flavors and suggestions of black pepper and cola. Finishes long and smooth, with gentle tannic grip and persistent spiciness. 85% whole clusters and all used oak. Drinking Window: 2024 - 2032.

Wine Enthusiast : 93 Points

(9/1/2021) A blend of fruit from the Gali and Zayante vineyards, this is a firmly built Syrah, starting with aromas of freshly smashed elderberry and boysenberry as well as dried meat, tar and cracked peppercorn. There is a taut tension to the sip, where precise black raspberry and rose-petal flavors pair up. Drink 2022–2032.