Dense aromas of boysenberry, cherry-wood smoke, peppercorn and pine needle converge on the dynamic nose of this blend of two vineyards. Sticky tannins frame a wildly flavored sip that gathers yakitori lamb, rosemary flowers, blackberry and eucalyptus tea into one unique package.

I tasted the 2017 Syrah Sta. Rita Hills as a finished barrel blend, just three weeks before it was due to be bottled. Grapes come from the Patterson and Sebastiano vineyards. Medium to deep ruby-purple, it features aroma layers of fried sage, rosemary, cocoa, gravel dust, olives, grilled meats, cassis and black cherry preserves with blue fruit touches. Full-bodied, it's minerally on entry, fleshing out to savory notes, with a firm supporting frame of finely grained tannins and seamlessly woven freshness, finishing long and minerally. This will be released in the spring of 2020.