2014 Charles Smith Wines Syrah Royal City Stoneridge Vineyard

(aged in 50% new oak puncheons): Bright ruby-red. Alluring scents of cassis, black cherry, boysenberry and licorice are distinctly darker than those of the 2013 version. Pungent, juicy and high-pitched, in a tightly wound, rocky style, with its berry fruit lifted by an almost citrussy high note. Intense, penetrating Syrah with a strong element of saline minerality. This fairly sizable wine finishes with noteworthy salinity and energy but needs at least a few years of cellaring to unwind.