Dragonette 2018 Syrah MJM Santa Barbara 95-97 Points

Jeb Dunnuck 95-97 Points: “The 2018 Syrah MJM will spend another two years in barrels, but it looks to be screaming good at this point. Stunning black fruits, smoked game, charred meat, and peppery goodness all give way to a full-bodied, powerful Syrah that has a stacked mid-palate, ripe tannins, and flawless balance”.

Robert Parker 96 Points: “Medium ruby, the 2018 Syrah MJM has singular scents of blackberry jam, violets, gravel dust, olives and pipe tobacco with meaty undertones. The full-bodied palate has abundant, grainy tannins, seamless acidity, savory fruits and a long, layered finish. It’s intense and concentrated and will evolve positively in bottle over the next 10-15 years.”

Winery Notes: “MJM is our flagship, Syrah-based blend, named in honor of our wives Michelle, Jen and Mitchi. We farm Syrah from several precise blocks in both Ballard Canyon and Sta. Rita Hills, and we select only the finest, most dramatic, barrels for this blend, to which we add small amounts of Grenache (a small amount of Viognier is co-fermented with the Syrah). The resulting wine is given additional aging until we feel it is ready for bottling. Depending upon vintage, élevage lasts anywhere from 24 to 34 months. The 2018 MJM will drink well early for its exuberant fruit and ripe structure, but it also has terrified concentration and balance for aging. Indeed, it reminds us of the 2016, another vintage showing freshness and exuberant fruits.”