2015 Samsara Syrah Turner Vineyard
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Tasting notes
From a cooler site in the Sta. Rita Hills and seeing the standard no destemming and 22 months in 25% new barrels, the 2015 Syrah Turner Vineyard reveals a ruby/purple color as well as Northern Rhône-like notes of white pepper, cedar, blackberries, bay leaf, and game. Medium to full-bodied, ethereal, and elegant on the palate, with beautifully integrated acidity and a great texture, give bottles 3-4 years and enjoy over the following decade or more. It's beautiful wine. Originally created by Chad Melville, SAMsARA today is owned by Joan and Dave Szkutak, with the wines made by Matt Brady, who previously made the wines for Jaffurs. Despite the change, the style of these wines has remained constant and these are always exotic, complex, almost old-world styled efforts that still show good concentration and depth.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jeb Dunnuck
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2015 Syrah Turner Vineyard is laced with rose petal, cedar, sweet tobacco, spice, mint and orange peel, all of which add tremendous aromatic nuance. Beautifully lifted and perfumed, the Turner shows terrific brightness within the context of the year, along with a distinctly red fruit-leaning profile. The 100% whole clusters are very nicely integrated, even in the early going.
The 2015 Syrah Turner is medium ruby in the glass, opening with notes of olive brine, wild blackberries, cracked black peppercorn and smoked meats plus beef drippings, roasted coffee bean and warm black cherries. Medium to full-bodied, it has savory fruits with slightly chewy tannins, good freshness and a long, spiced finish.