2013 Sanguis Syrah Pilgrim

The 2013 Pilgrim checks in as 95% Syrah, 5% Grenache, and 2% Viognier, that spent 25 months (with lots of lees contact) in mostly 300-, 400- and 500-liter French oak. It's deeper ruby color is followed by load of classic Syrah pepper, leafy herbs, gamey meats and assorted black fruits. This leads to a ripe, layered, sexy red that has bright acidity and a great finish. It will keep for a decade or more. Based out of Santa Barbara, Sanguis’s Matthias Pippig continues to make a singular lineup of wines that run the gamut from rich, unctuous Syrahs, to old-school Pinot Noirs, to borderline orange wines. There’s some true gems in the lineup, with the 2014 1/1 Syrah being the best wine I’ve tasted from the estate.

Dark red cherry, plum, pomegranate, blood orange and apricot jam meld together in the Syrah-based 2013 Pilgrim. Beams of underlying tannin give the wine its energy and overall persistence. This is another rich, unctuous wine from Matthias Pippig. I very much like this wine's energy in this style. Dollops of Grenache and Viognier round out the blend.

Spice, garrigue, peppery herbs and mulled red and black fruits all emerge from the 2013 Syrah Pilgrim, which is 93% Syrah, 5% Grenache and 2% Viognier that spent 28 months in 300- and 400-liter barrels. This full-bodied, open, supple and lively red has bright acidity, good (not great) concentration and a clean finish. The acidity will keep this drinking nicely through 2024.