2014 Carlisle Syrah Rosella's VIneyard

Mike commented that he likes the 2014 Syrahs much more than the 2013s, and he called 2014 a dream season. His 2014 Syrah Rosella's Vineyard, which was raised in 33% new French oak, sports the normal inky purple color as well as Cornas-like notes of olives, violets, flowers and creme de cassis. Polished, full-bodied and packed with fruit on the palate, it has sensational purity of fruit, sweet tannin and an already irresistible profile. It's worth noting that Mike reduced the amount of whole clusters in 2014, going from 35% to roughly 25%. Drink this beauty anytime over the coming decade.

The 2014 Syrah Rosella's Vineyard offers lovely immediacy. A burst of blue and purplish stone fruits, grilled herbs, smoke and licorice hits the palate first. There is a little less intensity through the mid-palate and finish, which gives the tannins a slightly rough around the edges feel, while hints of spice and leather add the closing shades of nuance. This is a pretty wine from Gary Franscioni's Rosella's Vineyard in the Santa Lucia Highlands. The general awareness of vineyard development in the Santa Lucia Highlands has come a long way since this site was first planted, something that is made abundantly clear by Sierra Mar Syrah tasted alongside it. The 2014 was done with 25% whole clusters.