2018 Carlisle Syrah Sierra Mar Vineyard
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Tasting notes
The 2018 Syrah Sierra Mar Vineyard has a deep ruby-purple color and bursts with aromas of cassis, white pepper, mint leaves and bitter chocolate with coffee and char accents. The palate is fully fruited but surprisingly lifted and plush, laced with nuanced flavors and finishing long and fresh. Lovely! 273 cases were made.
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Average Score
Jeb Dunnuck
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Also from the Santa Lucia Highlands, the 2018 Syrah Sierra Mar Vineyard nevertheless shows a very different style compared to the Rosella's, offering more fruit and opulence yet slightly less complexity. Blueberries, darker currants, smoked game, black olives, and licorice notes all emerge from the glass, and its medium to full-bodied, with a wonderful texture, terrific richness, and a great finish. It's another just straight-up delicious effort from this estate that's impossible to resist. Nevertheless, it's going to keep for 7-8 years with no issues.
As good as the Rosella's Syrah is, the 2018 Sierra Mar has an added kick of everything. Inky dark fruit, chocolate, spice, leather, menthol and licorice all build in a deep, expansive Syrah loaded with character. The 20% whole clusters are evident, but not at all dominant. More than anything else, the Sierra Mar Syrah possesses tremendous vertical intensity as well as purity. What a wine!