Piedrasassi Syrah Rim Rock 2021

CRITICAL ACCLAIM:

"Pronounced aromatic intensity with an onset of sun-aged leather, black currant and lilac flower. The palate brings depth to the uplifting aromas with savoury notes like charred meat and black pepper, while liquorice root, Earl Grey tea, and black currant provide a sweet, warming sensation on the palate. Impressive structural integrity for this aool climate Syrah at only 12.4% alcohol, the Rim Rock delivers terrific value. A melodic symphony of flavours creates a wine with depth and complexity while not overly sophisticated to enjoy with dinner at home, with the potential for ages 5-7 years." - 96 PTS, DECANTER (08/2024)

"The 2021 Syrah (Arroyo Grande) from Rim Rock, is super-distinctive, as it always is. Dark fruit, violet, lavender, grilled herbs and sage lend notable complexity as the 2021 shows off its alluring personality. This coastal, cool-climate Syrah is lights out, but it is also a bit firm at this stage and in need of cellaring." - 94 PTS, VINOUS MEDIA (07/2023)

"Alluring aromatics of dried violet, lavender and leather include an undercurrent of bacon fat and iodine that gives way to a lively textured yet structured core of licorice-accented blackberry. Mineral notes swirl in on the finish, where there's a twinge of tannic grip but nice persistence as this circles back to the core flavors. Drink now through 2035. - 94 PTS, WINE SPECTATOR (02/2025)

PRODUCER NOTES:

VINEYARD: “Piedrasassi has been farming Rim Rock vineyard with organic practices since 2016. The vineyard lies on a ridge of weathered stones (Chamise Shaly Loam) less than seven miles from the Pacific Ocean. The own-rooted vines (grafted from chardonnay) were planted in 1988 and have very low yields.”

TASTING: “Rim Rock Vineyard continues to be a place of complex, beguiling Syrah. Nearly 15 years into our relationship with this site, its hallmarks are all the more enticing vis-à-vis the cool 2021 vintage. An undercurrent of charred earth opens to violet Anis de Flavigny, eucalyptus, sour cherry and lavender, the vineyard’s animal quality tying savory and tang to lovely texture. So much comes forward with time in the glass, all of it wrapped up in a spice-driven finish. This is elegant, lithe Syrah that old vines in a hyper-coastal vineyard seemingly deliver with ease.”