SYRAH
An intensely aromatic and deeply expressive wine. The nose immediately captivates with layers of black olive tapenade, charred earth, and smoked meat, interwoven with notes of crushed violets, cracked pepper, and wild herbs. On the palate, it is both powerful and graceful, showcasing a seamless balance between savory depth and vibrant acidity. Briny blackberries, roasted plum, and a whisper of dark cocoa unfold over a core of iron-rich minerality and beef jus. Velvety tannins frame the structure, leading to a remarkably long finish where hints of dried herbs and crushed rock linger. This masterfully crafted Syrah embodies the signature umami-laced complexity of the Rocks District, with the potential to evolve beautifully over the next two decades.
Highly recommended.
98 points, International Wine Report
The Rocks District of Milton Freewater AVA
Le Mani | River Rock Estate Vineyard
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100% Syrah
10% Whole Cluster
Stainless Steel Fermentation
25-day maceration
Native Yeast, Minimal Intervention
Elevage 18 months in 33% new French oak
Bottled Unfined and Unfiltered
472 cases produced | Released 2025
$225
Release Date: August 19, 2026
The Rocks District of Milton-Freewater
Orselli Estate Vineyard
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100% Syrah
28% Whole Cluster, Stainless Steel Fermentation, 28-day Maceration
Native Yeast, Minimal Intervention
Elevage 16 months in 30% new French oak
Bottled Unfined and Unfiltered
301 cases | Release Date: August 2026
$225
“The 2023 Syrah Orselli Estate Vineyard got even better since tasting it in barrel last year, with a Côte Rôtie-esque refinement of exceptional quality. The 100% varietal grapes were picked early and late for balance from two different clones, 53% whole-cluster and native-fermented in concrete before going into 43% new French oak for 16 months. Iron, meat, and concentrated berry fruit packs a punch in this big, full-bodied wine, which at the same time is smoothly textured and highly refined, substantial and complex. Still, there’s an enduring beauty in the form of rose petal and lavender, and so much minerality.”
100 points, Jeb Dunnuck
The Rocks District of Milton-Freewater AVA
Orselli Estate Vineyard
100% Syrah
53% Whole Cluster
Concrete Fermentation, 28-day Maceration
Native Yeast and Minimal Intervention
Elevage 16 months in 45% new French oak
Bottled Unfined and Unfiltered
232 cases | Release Date: August 18, 2027
$225
