JS93 JamesSuckling.com Tuesday, August 9, 2022
"A tad reductive on the nose, so be sure to let this breathe. Hot stones, wild herbs, ripe plums, blackberries and vanilla on the nose. Full-bodied with fine tannins. Vibrant and complex. Atop the core of ripe dark fruit there is ground baking spice, oregano and white pepper. Very steady. Drink or hold." (93 pts.)
JD91+ Jeb Dunnuck 7/9/2022
"Ripe black fruits, smoked herbs, graphite, and spicy, peppery herb and floral notes emerge from the 2018 Syrah Baby Bear, a medium-bodied, elegant, incredibly pretty, balanced Syrah that can be drunk today or cellared for 8–10 years. This estate continues to play at a very high level, and this is another terrific wine. (Jeb Dunnuck)" (91+ pts.)
WE92 Wine Enthusiast 7/1/2022
"Fruit and barrel intertwine on the aromas, with notes of char, roasted coffee bean, vanilla and dark fruit. The palate is creamy in feel, showing intensity and sophistication. Baking spice notes linger on the finish. Oak plays a prominent part but plays it well. (Sean P. Sullivan)" (92 pts.)
WS91 Wine & Spirits 02/22
"This burly wine has so much richness that, in all your luxuriating over it, you may overlook the woodland scents of mushrooms, the amaro flavors and foresty tannins. Winemaker Daniel Wampfler has managed to build a great deal of complexity into a big syrah." (91 pts.)
SP94 Wine Spectator Web only – 2022
"Impeccably balanced and refined yet plump with personality, this red offers multilayered blueberry and huckleberry flavors accented by black olive and smoky cracked pepper. Finishes with rich, polished tannins. Drink now through 2030. 237 cases made. (Tim Fish)" (94 pts.)