For planning purposes of something in the future, I tasted 2014 central coast Syrahs from high end producers blind. Along with the Lillian (my bottle), there was SQN, Andremily, Torrin Akasha, Booker Fracture, Alban Reva and Alban Lorraine.
First off, I love these wines. The price in comparison to the others is impressive, and it always delivers. I double decanted this about two hours prior to the blind tasting. Dark purple in the glass, with aromatics of both sweet oak as well as whole cluster stem inclusion. Loads of dark floral notes, ripe blackberries, cherry jerky and that kiss of sweet oak. The palate remained the same from opening through the end of the blind tasting…a distinctly fuzzy profile on the palate with gorgeous mid palate depth and richness of blue and black fruits with plenty of herbal flair and spice. It toes the line between cool climate Syrah with their signature black peppercorn and iron, as well as big central coast Rhône style with its rich and textural palate. No rush on opening, but it sure is great now.
Out of the 7 in the lineup, this was the “cheapest”, and tied for 3rd place (with the Andremily being the runaway favorite, Alban Lorraine taking second, and this tying the SQN). — 3 years ago
Roasted savory raspberry. Leather portobello. Tastes like an elegant village-level burgundy. This is the right label and wine but the vintner is TORRIN. Lagom is Swedish term (to implicitly describe the winemaking style as reserved as just right?) very good. Aged very well. Will age well for another 5. — 2 years ago
This is a very nice central coast Pinot. I wish Torrin would source more grapes from this vineyard, but I think this is their final year for using that vineyard. I’m sorry I can’t give you more detailed notes, but it took a while for the Delectable experts to put this in the system, and I’ve lost my notes. — a year ago
👍🏼
Parkers review,
Wine Advocate | Rating: 96
The 2012 Akasha (which I had incorrectly listed as James Berry Vineyard in the past) is 100% Syrah from Scott's estate Torrin Vineyard. It offers sensational purity and depth in its black raspberry and cassis fruits, graphite, dried violets and crushed rock bouquet. This gives way to a full-bodied, voluptuous and seamless Syrah that has no hard edges, building tannin and a blockbuster finish. It's a heavenly Paso Robles Syrah that needs a year or so
Vinous | Rating: 93
Glass-staining purple. Powerful, deeply pitched aromas of blackcurrant, violet, licorice and woodsmoke, with a peppery topnote and a hint of sassafras. Sweet, smoky and broad on the palate, offering intense black and blue fruit flavors and a suave floral pastille flourish; showing a lot of upfront, fruit-driven sex appeal and no rough edges. Finishes very long, with outstanding clarity and supple tannins. - Josh Raynolds — 3 years ago
Joseph Barsky
2918 Vintage. Smoky side of Grenache/syrah blends. Lovely. — 18 days ago