2014, Pharaoh Moans, Syrah, Paso Robles, Central Coast, California, 15.9% Alc, CT94

Winemaker Notes:

The 2014 growing season was one of the driest on record for California’s central coast. A warm spring awoke the vines earlier than usual, but during bloom the weather was impeccable. We waited until the end of September to begin our first Syrah harvest, allowing for a longer maturation process and greater complexity. The 2014 PharaohMoans Syrah hails from two different terroirs: one from clay-rich land, allowing for stronger tannins, and the other from hillsides graced with limestone, adding exceptional freshness to the blends. We fermented our final six lots separately to capture an ideal fruit and tannin structure. We then delicately pumped over the wine for the next 35 days for optimal extraction and even, cool temperatures. The wine was aged 17 months in a combination of new oak from six French coopers using a light to medium toast to preserve the integrity of the fruit. Flavors of blackberry, creamy licorice, melted chocolate and dark cracked pepper ooze from this wine. Its aging potential is 10-15 years.

Suckling, 93 POINTS
"So balanced and refined with a blackberry and mineral character. Medium to full body, fine tannins and a polished and beautiful finish. Drink now."
- James Suckling, December 2016

Parker, 94 POINTS
"Playing in the same style as the Grenache, the 2014 Syrah is a full-bodied fruit bomb that offers a sexy, hedonistic, pedal to the metal style. Coming from the Hawk Hill, Jada and Hearhill vineyards (all limestone soils) and aged 18 months in 65% new oak, its inky color is followed by a full-bodied, decadent, soft red that's loaded with notions of creme de cassis, licorice, caramelized meats and smoked herbs. It shows the richness of the vintage beautifully and will drink well through 2024."
- eRobertParker, August 2016