2020 Charles Smith Wines Syrah Royal City Stoneridge Vineyard
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Tasting notes
A spicy blend of dusty lavender and violet complements blackberry and a whiff of spiced orange as the 2020 Syrah Royal City evolves in the glass. This is deeply textural with a chalky concentration that settles in quickly as a wave of mineral-tinged black fruits saturates. A coating of fine tannins defines the finish, leaving balsamic nuances and clove hints to linger as the 2020 tapers off with tremendous length and potency. Winemaker Brennon Leighton did a fantastic job with this majestic 2020 Syrah. The Royal City was fermented with 100% whole cluster fruit and refined in 60% new French oak puncheons.
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Average Score
Jeb Dunnuck
Eric Guido, Vinous
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One of the true gems in the vintage is the 2020 Syrah Royal City, which comes from the Stoneridge Vineyard in the Royal Slope region of the state. All Syrah from tiny yields of 1.8 tons per acre that spent 51 days on skins and 28 months in 60% new French oak, it has an incredible array of red and black fruits, cured meats, toasted nuts, ground pepper, and savory flowers. Full-bodied, deep, pure, and incredibly layered, this sensationally complex, seamless Syrah is a tour de force that needs to be tasted to be believed. It’s one of the wines of the vintage and will have 15-20 years of overall longevity. Surprisingly, I think it’s better than the 2019.
The 2020 Syrah Royal City is still tight and firm but is instantly impressive with power, precision and finesse as seductive and juicy tones of black cherry, spiced blackberry jus and elegant floral notions waft with soft savory and spicy aromas. Full-bodied, generously layered and complex, the wine will have no problem shedding its baby fat and will be a juggernaut upon release in the fall later this year. This expressive, layered, succulent Syrah will remain food-friendly for decades; just be patient. Made 100% whole clusters, the wine saw two years of barrel aging in French oak, 60% new. It's an absolute pleasure and will age beautifully over the next two decades. Just under 8,300 bottles produced.