2013 Torrin Akasha
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The 2013 Akasha is another world-class Syrah to emerge from these rolling, limestone hills west of Paso Robles. Incorporating 5% Grenache, its deep, inky purple color is followed by a mineral-laced bouquet of sweet black and blue fruits, crushed, violets, charred meat, and graphite. More medium to full-bodied, with a terrific sense of elegance and purity, as well as ultra-fine tannin, it needs another 2-4 years of bottle age and will cruise in cool cellars for 15-20 years.
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Jeb Dunnuck
Josh Raynolds
More reviews and scores
Leading off the lineup and just a killer Syrah that does everything right, Hawley's 2013 Akasha (there's a splash of Grenache in here as well) is getting up there with some of the top wines to come out of California. Coming from cooler, north and east facing slopes, and aged 18 months in 60% new French oak, its inky color is followed by gorgeously pure aromas and flavors of black currants, blackberries, smoked meats, earth and pepper. This full-bodied, concentrated and impeccably balanced beauty has fine tannin, no hard edges and blockbuster length. In short, it's a gorgeous wine I wish every reader could taste!
Brilliant violet. Deep-pitched black and blue fruit and Indian spice aromas show impressive clarity and pick up hints of candied licorice and violet with air. Broad and sappy in the mouth, offering deep-pitched, sweet blackberry and cherry compote flavors and a late suggestion of spicecake. Smooth, slow-building tannins give shape to the very long, energetic finish, which lingers with superb, fruit-driven persistence.