The 2022 Syrah En Cerise Vineyard is 100% varietal from ungrafted vines and is dark and exotic in tone. Licorice candy and violet lead to a sensual mouthfeel of refined tannin and well-integrated oak, the wine aged 18 months in 15-20% new French barrels. Salty salinity comes up against a meaty char component of iron, green tea, peat moss, and complex tension. There’s a powerful purity to the whole experience, which finishes complete. Cellar through 2042.

This meaty and savory red shows aromas and flavors of black plums, sage, licorice, bacon fat, iodine and capers. It’s full-bodied, open and deliciously salty, with ripe, supple tannins. Increasingly salty and it persists for a very long time. Around 70% whole-cluster fermentation. From biodynamically grown grapes. Drinkable already, but better from 2027.

A compelling and impeccably structured red that serves up expressive flavors of blueberry and raspberry accented by crushed stone, garrigue and tapenade tones as this builds tension and personality on the finish. Drink now through 2035. 397 cases made.

(94+ points) The 2022 Syrah En Cerise Vineyard is savory to the core, with ground pepper, flint, cloves, caraway seeds and crushed blackberries. It is soothingly round and more lifted in feel, with mineral-inflected red berry fruits underscored by salty mineral tones. A cascade of violet and lavender resonates as the 2022 finishes gently tannic and full of youthful tension, with hints of tart blackcurrant and spice pinching at the cheeks. I'm tempted to go even higher here, but only time will tell. -- Eric Guido