Super-CALI-fragilisticexpialidocious! Pt. 2

Hello all!

Back again – and with more Cali-magic as promised. I’ll try to whistle through this, as due to technical difficulties today, I’m lightly on the drag, but I wanted to get part 2 of the Cool Climate Cali drop out to you on time.

I’m delighted to announce a rare and highly anticipated offering! Select back vintages of the acclaimed Piedrasassi Syrah are now available but for how long, who knows. This is a fairly unique opportunity to experience the evolution of one of California’s most distinctive Syrahs—a wine that has gained cult status among sommeliers and collectors alike and continues to set the benchmark for cool-climate, Cote-Rotie-esque Syrah in the New World.

Founded by visionary winemaker Sashi Moorman, a wine hero whom I have waxed lyrical about previously, Piedrasassi has established itself as a leading light in California’s Central Coast. Sashi’s philosophy is one of minimal intervention, a focus on organic and sustainable farming, and an unwavering commitment to the unique characteristics of each vineyard site. The result? Syrahs of remarkable finesse, energy, and aromatic complexity.

The vineyards—predominantly situated in Santa Barbara County’s wind-swept Sta. Rita Hills and Santa Maria Valley—provide the cool, maritime influence Syrah needs to shine with Old World grace and New World vibrancy. Piedrasassi’s limited production and rigorous selection mean that every bottle tells a story, carrying with it the signature of place, vintage, and thoughtful craft.

It’s pretty obvious to say, but back vintages of such wines are unusual to find, this is certainly the first time I’ve had the opportunity to stock such wines in nearly 2 decades. Aged wine is where the fun really happens and having time to evolve in bottle is key for some varietals such as Cab, Syrah and the greats of Northern Italy and so on. Syrah is a varietal renowned for its transformative potential in the cellar. As Piedrasassi Syrahs mature, they reveal layers of savoury depth, structure, and beguiling aromatics—proof of both vineyard provenance and the winemaker’s delicate touch. While the younger wines are hard to resist and do so well to dazzle with primary fruit and spice, bottlings with a decade or more of age unfurl into a tapestry of dried herbs, olive tapenade, smoked meats, forest floor, and vibrant minerality.

This release of older wines, not often, if at all seen in the UK, presents a window into the history of Piedrasassi: a curated selection that showcases the nuances of climate and terroir across the years, and the rewards of patient cellaring.

Back Vintages Available:

• 2010 Rim Rock Vineyard - This is now starting to give up tertiary aromatics, umami, meaty and mushroomy on the nose, but still pure, with so much smoke, clove, olive, cured meat, incense on the nose. On the palate, seamlessly balanced, the 2010 vintage offers notes of black plum, cracked pepper, and dried violets. With over a decade of bottle age, it is in a glorious drinking window, displaying resolved tannins and earthy depth. A play between power and delicacy. Gorgeous wine that nods to the greats of the Northern Rhone. I cannot even find this vintage online or even on Wine Searcher. £95 94pts Wine Advocate
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• 2017 Rim Rock Vineyard - From the sandstone soils of Rim Rock comes a Syrah of striking energy. I love the nose on here. So floral and almost rose like, dry petals and perfume. The 2017 vintage is marked on the palate by its dark fruit, tapenade, and a hint of smoked bacon, all lifted by fresh acidity and lingering graphite minerality. £66.99 93pts Wine Enthusiast

• 2015 Bien Nacido Vineyard - A classic vintage from one of California's most revered sites. The 2015 is perhaps the most herbaceous, perfumed with wild herbs, blueberry, and cured meats, over a core of fine-grained tannins and impressive length. A sappy texture and is perhaps the most bold and full bodied on the palate. £77.99 93pts Wine Advocate

What makes this release so special is that each back vintage in this collection has been cellared under optimal conditions at the Vineyard, so these bottles are ex-cellar and are now showing the graceful evolution that careful cellaring and patience can impart. These wines are ready to be enjoyed today, yet possess the structure and acidity to reward further aging for years to come.

The hallmark of the Piedrasassi style is the aromatic profile. The lower alcohol (12.5-13.2%) and the brilliance of energy on the palate, a result of low intervention wine making.

• On the Nose: You’ll find an aromatic mosaic—wild berries, cracked peppercorn, lavender, cured olive, and hints of smoke and forest floor.
• On the Palate: Expect purity of fruit, a savoury backbone, and the seamless integration of tannin and acid. The finish is long and haunting, with echoes of spice, earth, and mineral.
• Suggested Pairings: Grilled lamb, mushroom risotto, charcuterie, or simply an evening with good company.

Piedrasassi Syrah has earned its reputation as a cellar-worthy wine, finding its place on the lists of Michelin-starred restaurants and in the cellars of discerning collectors worldwide. These wines are limited in availability, once gone, these bottles sadly, are unlikely to return. All bottles offered have been sourced directly from the estate’s library, guaranteeing great provenance and ideal cellaring. Discover how vintages differ and express their terroir through climate, soil, and winemaker’s hand.

Ideally, I would suggest purchasing mixed vintage cases. But Single vintage cases or simply by the bottle are all available. Just let me know what interests you most.

This really is a great opportunity to savour the artistry and legacy of Piedrasassi Syrah so far. Whether you are seeking to complete a vertical, deepen your cellar, or simply enjoy world-class Syrah at its peak, these back vintages will undoubtedly enrich your collection and your table.

Hope to hear from you soon. Have a great rest of the week.

Chin-Chin.

Best

Jim