Sans Liege Prophetess XVIII (2018) Santa Barbara

Winery Notes: “Dusty brambles encroach on the weathered stone threshold of the hut which is hidden deep in the forest. A clove scented smoke wafts through a crack in the door. Peering inside, you strain to see across the dimly lit room – the outline of an old woman sitting at the hearth comes into view. She intently stirs a brew releasing aromas bay leaf, cassis, tobacco and plum skin. A slight turn of her head makes you shrink back into the shadows, distrusting your own eyes.Vineyard Notes — Syrah: Spanish Springs, Slide Hill. Mourvèdre: Old Potrero”

Jeb Dunnuck 94 Points: “It saw a touch of stems (from the Mourvèdre) and mostly neutral barrels. One of the more opaque, saturated colored wines in the lineup, it’s a big, rich, meaty effort that has lots of gamey black fruits, lavender, bay leaf, pepper, and spiced meat-like aromas and flavors. Textured, mouth filling, and just decadent stuff, drink this hedonistic dream any time over the coming 7-8 years. I wouldn’t be surprised to see it keep longer, but there’s no need to delay gratification.”