2016 Sleight of Hand Cellars Syrah Psychedelic Stone Vine Estate
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Tasting notes
Dark red color is a bit less lucid than that of the Levitation Syrah. Classics Rocks aromas of black raspberry, bacon fat and olive tapenade--i.e., reminiscent of a traditionally styled Côte-Rôtie. Not quite as complex in the mouth as on the nose but boasts a sexy silkiness of texture to its savory flavors of black raspberry and black pepper. Quite saline, befitting its elevated pH, but with its plush, deep fruit it's also very easy to drink. And the fine-grained tannins will not stand in the way of early enjoyment. Incidentally, Trey Busch told me that Sleight of Hand has been "leaning toward earlier and earlier picks in our vineyards, because we feel like we're reaching physiological ripeness earlier with our vineyard management." (13.9% alcohol; vinified with about 60% whole clusters; 4.13 pH)
Critic scores
Average Score
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
James Suckling
More reviews and scores
Tasted from magnum, the 2016 Cabernet Franc The Crooked Arm has hints of green-tinged herbal tones with upfront black fruit expressions that are big and plush on the nose. The medium to full-bodied palate shows complex oak spices and a balanced structure with good acidity and tannins. The focus of the finish is thoughtful and sophisticated, ending with dark, dusty fruit and subtle savory spices that linger on. Only 30 cases made for the world. Readers should take note of the specifics of this wine, as it was poured from magnum, and the drink date and estimated cost are reflective of the large-format bottling.
Very attractive, complex syrah spice and fragrance with meaty nuances and a core of red plums and blackberries. The palate has a smooth, silky and layered feel with a neat build of ripe fruit that is nicely webbed in fine, supportive tannin. Drink or hold.
Coming all from the Stoney Vine estate vineyard, the 2016 Syrah The Psychedelic had 50% stems and was brought up in 25% new French oak. Rocking notes of smoked herbs, cigar tobacco, ground pepper, and meaty blackberry fruit give way to a medium to full-bodied Syrah that has the purity and elegance that’s fast becoming the hallmark of this estate. The style at Sleight of Hand, under the guidance of Trey Busch, Jerry Solomon, and Keith Johnson, has changed dramatically over the past 4-5 years and the wines show more finesse, elegance, and purity today, without sacrificing on fruit or texture. These are brilliant wines, and I certainly include this estate in the top handful of estates in Washington today. Unfortunately, the top cuvees are made in tiny quantities.