Piedrasassi 2022 "P.S." Syrah, Santa Barbara

 
An under-the-radar cult Syrah from Santa Barbara - limited.

94 Points James Suckling: "A vivid and distinctive wine with black olive, mushroom and licorice aromas that go deeper on the palate. Medium-bodied with moderate tannins and a long and lingering finish. So distinctive and adventurous. Drink or hold."

92 Points Robert Parker:  "The 2022 PS Syrah opens with a smoldering, beautiful nose of charcoal embers, lavender, olive brine and faint hints of vanilla pod. The palate is rich and layered, landing in a decadently savory, animalistic finish—a fantastically overperforming regional wine."

A blend of signature Santa Barbara County vines, the Piedrasassi 2022 PS is intensely savory, textured and a testament to its cool growing season. Production doubled from 2020 with a jump in quality to match. Maple bacon, white pepper, black currant and perfume leap from the glass before squeezing back into a linear, expressive drink of wine - one that navigates Kalamata olive and iodine with lithe, persistent structure.

Sashi Moorman is best known for the wines he makes at Stolpman and Evening Land, but the wines from his own Piedrasassi label are just as impressive...they attest to the ageworthiness of Syrah from selected sites in Santa Barbara County.