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95 WA.
"One of my favorites in the lineup and just another example showcasing how special this vineyard is, the 2011 Torrin James Berry Vineyard offers thrilling black cherry, cassis, spring flowers and licorice to go with a medium to full-bodied, seamless and silky profile that carries superb richness, while staying graceful and weightless. A blend of 52% Syrah and 48% Grenache (with a splash of Roussanne) that spent 18 months in a combination of small and large 50% new barrels, this is a decidedly perfumed, elegant and nuanced wine from Scott. Drink it over the coming decade. Made by Scott Hawley, these are classic Paso blends that never lack for fruit or texture, yet always back it up with superb underlying structure. Starting in 2011, there are two new cuvees: the James Berry Vineyard, which comes from Scott’s cooler blocks in the vineyard (and James Berry is a cool spot) and the Law Vineyard, which comes from Law Estate’s hot, higher elevation terroir. The James Berry is nearly equal parts Grenache and Syrah (there’s more Grenache in 2012), and the Law Vineyard is more Syrah-dominated. Both of these new releases are awesome. The style here seams slightly shifted to a more savory, chewy and focused feel, and both of these 2011s and 2012s will benefit from short-term cellaring. As with a number of estates that have moved toward a more savory style, the tannin balance will be something to watch." Wine Advocate #214, Aug 2014 |