2018 PharaohMoans Syrah Westside
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Tasting notes
Opaque purple. Hugely perfumed aromas of blackberry, blueberry, exotic spices, vanilla and violet show superb definition and spicy lift. Stains the palate with pliant, alluringly sweet dark berry preserve, floral pastille and fruitcake flavors that pick up mocha, vanilla and five-spice powder nuances as the wine opens up. Finishes extremely long and smooth, with velvety tannins, resonating florality and striking energy for its heft and power.
Critic scores
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Jeb Dunnuck
Josh Raynolds
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The 2018 Westside is made of 100% Syrah from the Hawks Hill and G2 vineyards. It was aged 19 months in 60% new oak and has a deep ruby-purple color. The nose offers tar, coffee, white pepper and olive touches with a core of blackcurrant fruits. Full-bodied, the palate offers juicy, surprisingly tempered fruits in the mouth with a firm but ripe structure and long finish. This is a bigger style regardless of its freshness that will require another 2-3 years in bottle. 400 cases produced.
Lots of spiced plums, orange blossom, spring flowers, peach (I'd swear there was Viognier in this blend) and peppery notes emerge from the 2018 Syrah. An exotic, full-bodied, seamless Syrah with ripe yet present tannins, no hard edges, and a great, great finish, it's truly brilliant and the finest I've tasted from this estate. All Syrah from a mix of sites on the westside of Paso Robles, brought up in 60% new oak, it's going to keep for 10-15 years.