2015 Torrin Banshee

Leading off the Paso Robles Torrin releases, the 2015 The Banshee checks in as a blend of 40% Syrah, 35% Grenache, and 25% Mourvèdre that spent 22 months in a combination of 300- and 400-liter barrels, 35% being new. Rocking levels of black and blue fruit as well as subtle violets, spring flowers, and classic Paso Robles minerality all emerge from this layered, medium to full-bodied effort that shines both for its richness and elegance. Drink it any time over the coming decade. This report looks at the 2015s from bottle and the 2016s from barrel from the incredibly talented Scott Hawley. While these wines were all made at their Tin City location just south of Paso Robles, they’ve started work on a new cellar located off Peachy Canyon, and I suspect the 2019s will be the first wines made at their new facility. Looking at the wines reviewed here, the 2015s are some of the finest wines to date from Hawley, and they show the classic, focused, straight character of this vintage nicely, while still packing ample depth and richness. His 2016s are slightly more opulent and sexy, and when all is said and done, might be even better. In addition to his Paso Robles releases, Scott releases two Pinot Noirs and a Chardonnay under his Lagom label, which are listed below. If you haven’t heard of Torrin, this is a bandwagon you need to get on.