This is an extremely complex, smoky, terroir-driven syrah that offers crushed wild berries and plum skins layered with hints of white pepper and cured meat. Broad, mouth-filling and full-bodied, it has a mineral, peppery edge and dusty, very fine tannins. Long and persistent, showing hints of crushed herbs and ashy soil in the end. Drink or hold. Andrii Stetsiuk Critic & Tasting Operations Manager

The famous McCrea Cuvee Orleans came from this vineyard, and the 2022 Syrah Motor City Kitty continues the site’s reputation for greatness, offering a ripe style and lots of wood, but showing something very special in its spicy, meaty, herbal complexion, memorable particularly for its sense of purity and balance. Made in a dense, brooding, full-bodied style, it spent time fermenting in concrete tank on its skins for 45 days before settling into 500-liter puncheon for 15 months on the lees. Dark fruit and spicy dried herbs accent the core of the wine, which will benefit from further aging, 10-12 years.

The 2022 MCK Syrah comes from the Boushey Vineyard and was matured for 20 months in new French oak puncheons. It has layered aromas of blackcurrant, resinous herbs, camphor, cracked pepper and mint. The full-bodied palate offers concentrated, herbs-laced flavors. It’s framed by chalky tannins and vibrant acidity and has a long, latent finish. It will benefit from at least five years in the cellar. 2,802 cases produced.

The 2022 Syrah Motor City Kitty speaks to the lover of savory, old-world Rhônes as a mix of grilled herbs, stewed tomatoes, olives and black raspberries fills the senses. It is silken and serene, with seamless waves of mineral-infused red fruits that flow beneath an air of sweet lavender. A minty freshness lingers, tapering off energetically, nearly juicy yet nicely framed by fine tannins.- Eric Guido