Syrah 'The Great Places - Ruben Solorzano'

Score

98

"With grace and power in equal measure, this standout syrah rides velvety waves of tapenade, tar, crushed violets, concentrated plums and black figs. Ash and scorched earth are hugged by medium-grained tannins, while juniper and botanical notes infuse spiced fruit and meat. Best after 2029."

Score

97+

"A considerable jump up from last year's already impressive 2022 vintage, the 2023 Syrah The Great Places Ruben Solorzano showcases a block of Serine clones originating from Gentaz-Dervieux plantings in C"te-R"tie's C"te-Blonde. The vines were first planted at Stolpman in 2007, foreshadowing what would become The Great Places series. Within the quartet, this bottling offers the most spice-driven and floral bouquet, as well as the most assertive tannin structure. While generally a dark-fruited wine, this cuv,e leans slightly toward the red fruit side of the spectrum, complemented by an increasingly complex bouquet of blood sauce, cardamom, black pepper and rising tones of camphor. The palate exudes a touch more finesse and weightlessness compared to the rest of the range, within the scope of a decidedly powerful, burly wine overall. It culminates with an incredibly multifaceted finish, melding myriad warming spice tones and meaty flourishes with vibrant saturation, immense depth and a chewy chassis of structural tannins."

Score

96+

"The 2023 Syrah Great Places Ruben Solorzano is intense and commanding, the most structured of the Great Places range. Deep red fruit drives the core, wrapped in chalky tannins that pulse with energy. Licorice, black olive, white pepper and tobacco leaf lend a savory counterpoint, giving the wine a distinctly brooding character. At this stage, the Ruben is firm and inward, yet there are already flashes of richness and detail that suggest plenty of positive evolution ahead."

Score

93+

"Beautiful aromatics of ripe cassis and blue fruits intermixed with classy wood, pepper, and graphite emerge from the 2023 Syrah Great Places Ruben Solorzano, a 100% Syrah that was fermented with 67% whole clusters and aged 26 months in neutral French oak puncheons. This medium to full-bodied effort has a concentrated mouthfeel, building yet ripe tannins, and outstanding length. The carbonic maceration signature is clear, and while there's plenty to love here, it remains to be seen if this style evolves into a charming, drinkable wine. I'm optimistic but not 100% sold. Drink 2027-2037."