2018 Double L Vineyard Syrah - Morgan Winery

Stunningly pure and plush eruptions of ripe blueberry, juicy blackberry, dark cherry pit, black currant, and huckleberry pie highlight a dense yet remarkably lively fruit core bolstered by lifted floral tones of lavender and crushed violet. Notes of black olive, peat moss, bramble, and over-steeped tea generously impart deliciously complex organic tones that intersect with an eclectic range of spices including marjoram, tarragon, black pepper, and caraway seed. Intriguing hints of ocean fog, dried seaweed, and crushed stones reveal delicate and decidedly saline coastal earthiness that is playfully juxtaposed against savory suggestions of leather and grilled red meat. Impressively dense and concentrated on the palate while possessing admirable elegance, balance, and cool climate verve; exhibiting a fresh and pleasantly feral presentation that boasts a delicious combination of captivating depth and palpable tension. Medium-plus bodied with elevated tannin backed by bright acidity. This 2018 Double L Vineyard Syrah by Morgan Winery is a rugged and seductive red from the Santa Lucia Highlands.

Although the Santa Lucia Highlands has become one of California's best known cool climate winegrowing zones for the world class Pinot Noir and Chardonnay it produces, this wind-swept coastal region is also quietly putting out some absolutely spectacular examples of Syrah. This bottling, crafted by Morgan Winery using Syrah sourced from their estate Double L Vineyard in the Santa Lucia Highlands, is a exceptional expression of the unique combination of ripeness and freshness that this region can facilitate. This broods with a rich yet beautifully energetic range of dark fruits complicated by brambly herbal notes, aromatic floral tones, peppery spices, rugged meatiness, and fresh coastal earthy charm. Although drinking spectacularly today this possesses ideal structure to develop gracefully in bottle, and would be interesting to follow as it ages for 5-10 years or more. Outstanding.