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2018 Cattleya The Initiation Syrah

Not Currently In Auction

Latest Sale Price

April 28, 2024 - $39

Estimate

RATINGS

97Jeb Dunnuck

...gorgeous perfume of blueberries, violets, leafy herbs, bacon fat, and sagebrush that develops and opens up beautifully with air. Possessing medium to full-bodied richness, a pure, seamless texture, incredible elegance and purity, and a great finish...

95Vinous / IWC

Highly perfumed aromas of ripe black and blue fruits, potpourri, vanilla and baking spices are accompanied by hints of incense and cola. Shows excellent clarity and spicy lift on the palate, offering deeply concentrated cassis, cherry cola, lavender pastille and salty olive flavors that show zero rough edges. Smooth, sweet and expansive on the extremely persistent finish, which echoes the spice and floral notes.

94Wine Enthusiast

...aromas of asphalt, black pepper, caramel, fudge and black currant. The palate is dense and wrapped in polished tannins, carrying flavors of black plum, cassis, coffee and light vanilla.

93James Suckling

Black-licorice, cracked black-pepper and violet aromas follow through to a full body with firm, silky tannins that are well integrated and manicured. Creamy and flavorful.

91The Wine Advocate

...scents of cassis, charcuterie, dried herbs and peppercorn. The medium-bodied palate is fresh, restrained and grainy with a long, lifted finish.

REGION

United States, California, Central Coast, Monterey, Santa Lucia Highlands

Santa Lucia Highlands AVA is a 12-mile long, narrow strip of an appellation wedged along the eastern hillsides of the Santa Lucia mountain range. Given its proximity to Big Sur and the Gabilan Mountain Range to the northeast, Santa Lucia a cool-climate wine growing district. Morning sun is often followed by maritime winds and fog in the afternoon, a weather pattern that prolongs the growing season and means long, gentle ripening of the grapes. Spanish missionaries planted vineyards in the district in the 18th century, but it wasn’t until the 1970s that modern winemakers planted vineyards and began making high quality wine. The district received AVA status in 1991 and today there are 6,000 vineyard acres in the Santa Lucia Highlands. Pinot Noir is the dominant grape planted, followed by Chardonnay and Riesling.

TYPE

Red Wine, Syrah (Shiraz)

This grape is grown in milder climates and produces a medium-to full-bodied wine. It is also known as Shiraz, but should not be confused with Petit Sirah, which was developed by crossing Syrah with Peloursin.