Samuel Louis Smith, Sandstone Terrace, Syrah, Santa Cruz Mountains 2019 (750ml/12) 2019

A magenta color in the glass. This nose has expressive aromas of cracked black pepper, sun-kissed blackberry, and dark spice. The mouthfeel is grand, showing structure and precision, gentle fruit balanced by beautiful acidity and stern tannins that lead to a long finish. 

For Sandstone Terrace, Samuel taps two vineyards that provide Syrah of two different personalities. The Gali Vineyard practically kisses the Pacific, sitting at 400 feet of elevation just six miles from the coast in the Corralitos sub-district of the southern Santa Cruz Mountains. The own-rooted, dry- and organically-farmed Zayante Vineyard is higher and warmer. Together, the 50-50 blend of sites results in a wine that shows off the spicy, floral, elegant side of Syrah.