Country: U.S.A.

Region: California

Vintage: 2018

Cépage: Syrah (83%); Grenache (8%); Mourvedre (4%); Petite Sirah (3%); Muscat (2%); Petit Manseng (1%)

Size: 750 ml

Rating(s): 97-99 (RP); 97-99 (JD)

"It comes entirely from estate vineyards: The Third Twin (43%), Eleven Confessions (32%), Cumulus (21%) and Molly Aïda (3%). It was fermented with 16% whole clusters and matured for about 23 months in 66% new French oak. "I like whole cluster less on Syrah," Manfred Krankl explains. "It can be more herbal. But these 2020s are much more fleshy and unctuous, so it shows better." Opaque purple black in color, it features aromas of cassis and blueberries, charcuterie, lavender and coffee beans, changing continually as it spends time in the glass. The full-bodied palate boasts tremendous floral perfume, a frame of rounded tannins and seamless freshness, finishing long and fragrant."

Erin Brooks (RP) - 05/22