The 2017 Syrah Rim Rock Vineyard is a very pretty wine. A reduction in the percentage of whole clusters down to about 50% (from 100%) really lets the purity of the fruit come through, and yet there is still plenty of the cool-climate savoriness that makes the Rim Rock Syrah so distinctive. Rose petal, mint and dried herbs add brightness. In 2017, the Rim Rock is also a bit more red-fruit leaning than in the past, which might also be related to the drop in whole clusters. Most importantly, though, the 2017 is absolutely delicious and inviting.

The 2017 Syrah Arroyo Grande Valley Rim Rock Vineyard was tasted as a finished barrel sample three weeks before bottling. It has a medium to deep ruby-purple color and opens with crushed stone and graphite to begin, fleshing out to olive, peppered meats, crushed blueberries, warm black cherries and blackberry pie with tinges of warm chocolate and licorice. Big, full and intense in the mouth, it's very serious, mineral and sanguine, with pleasantly chewy tannins and well-knit freshness, finishing long and minerally. This will be released in the spring of 2020.

Extremely floral aromas of lavender, lilac, potpourri and patchouli consume the nose of this fascinating bottling. The palate is more complex, with flavors of herb-crusted beef shank, rosemary pinches, cracked pepper and a touch of black-plum extract.