93pts Jeb Dunnuck
I loved the 2018 Syrah Cut Bank Estate, which is all Syrah aged 18 months in 20% new French oak. It was 70% destemmed yet certainly has solid stem character, with gamey meats, peppery herbs, and violets as well as more blue fruits. With fine tannins, medium to full-bodied richness, and terrific balance, it’s beautifully done. Drink bottles over the coming decade.
90pts Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Deep ruby at the core, with a slight purple edge, the 2018 Syrah Cut Bank Estate Vineyard opens with dense, dark black-fruited essences of spiced black cherry, dusty black raspberry and blackberry jus, before elements of cedar and maple float out of the glass with tones of black pepper and roasted lavender. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is compact and chewy with tight, youthful tannins in the mouth while offering flavors blackberry skin, dark plum, bitter dark chocolate and black peppercorn. The long-lingering and spicy finish ends with elevated alcohol and needs another year in bottle to come around. The wine rested for 18 months in 20% new French oak barrels. 2,904 bottles were filled.
Winemaker Notes
Black fruit aromas with notes of peppered meats, black olive, dried violet and cracked peppercorn. Fruit-forward at first on the palate, but savory and earthy characteristics take over. Ample acidity and silky tannins bring a lovely balance and silky tannins bring a lovely balance and richness.