2014 Heart Stone Vineyard

(raised entirely in French oak puncheons, 60 percent of them new) Brilliant violet. Bright, intensely perfumed aromas of red and blue preserves, Asian spices and potpourri are given vivacity by a smoky mineral nuance. Juicy and pure, displaying deeply concentrated boysenberry and cherry liqueur flavors along with hints of candied violet and star anise. Strongly echoes the floral and spicy notes on the strikingly long, penetrating finish, which features velvety tannins and a hint of candied licorice.

A classic Paso Robles Syrah (57% Syrah, 24% Grenache and the rest Mourvedre) that delivers on all accounts, the 2014 Heart Stone Vineyard is a big, rich, decadently styled beauty that offers tons of upfront spice, dark fruits, licorice and smoked earth aromatics, with more floral, violets and sappy underbrush notes coming through with air that keep it far for simple or straightforward. Utterly seamless on the palate, with full-bodied richness, a big, rich mid-palate and the chalky tannin that's the hallmark of these limestone hills on the west side of Paso Robles, this riveting, powerful, yet weightless beauty just begs to be drunk today, yet it will evolve easily for a decade or more. Sep 2016, www.robertparker.com