95 points Wine Enthusiast
Extreme amounts of cracked black pepper spice up the crumbled lilac, dark-black-plum and snappy red-currant aromas on the dynamic nose of this cool-climate bottling. There’s a wild zestiness to the palate, where the peppery spice plays well with black-raspberry, lavender and rosemary flavors. (MK) (9/2020)
94 points Jeb Dunnuck
The 2018 Syrah Estate Sta. Rita Hills is another rocking value. Seeing roughly 40% stems and all neutral oak, this deep purple/plum-colored 2018 gives up gamey, Northern Rhône-like notes of peppery herbs, tapenade, smoked black fruits, and violets. (8/2020)
94 points Wine & Spirits
This radiates coolness in its scents of smoke and pine needles, lavender and clove. The flavors are rich blackberry compote, but the wine has the acidity needed to deliver a precise finish. (PJC) (10/2020)