2016 Charles Smith Wines Syrah Skull Royal Slope
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Tasting notes
Vibrant aromas of wild blackberry, plum, pomegranate and mocha. Densely packed, concentrated and spicy, conveying a more structured impression owing to the vinification with stems. The plum fruit carries through onto the very ripe palate. This broad, fine-grained wine finishes quite long, with a faint suggestion of warmth. This wine boasts more punch than the Heart Syrah. (14.5% alcohol; no new oak; from the warmer southern part of the block, where nighttime temperatures are higher and the wine is typically richer; vinified with whole clusters)
Critic scores
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
Anthony Mueller, Wine Advocate
More reviews and scores
The 2016 Skull Syrah has more power than the "Heart" Syrah and shows more density and strength with black-fruited aromas on the nose. The full-bodied palate is rich and structured with gripping tannins that take over the fruit expressions. Ending with a tight grippy finish, the Skull lingers with a bold and expressive nature that needs time to come around. 138 cases produced.