Herman Story Nuts & Bolts Syrah, Santa Barbara County, USA 2023

The contemplative depth of a meditation retreat deep in the Himalayas, with the brawny force of the drill sergeants running the place. Fall in, soldier, with eyes closed and breath focused. Stand at attention and imagine black currant skies and rain-slick stones, Kadak chai incense and marzipan lotus flowers, rich cacao spilling through a Shishi-odoshi fountain, and then a 5:00 AM run through gravel and espresso. Focus those thoughts on the double, soldier, or you can drop and give me fifty.

"The 2023 Nuts & Bolts is rocking stuff, offering deep purple-hued, smoky black fruits, roasted herbs, graphite, lavender, and scorched earth. Made from 100% Syrah and aged in 87% new French oak for 18 months, it's full-bodied, rich, and concentrated, yet stays light on its feet and balanced on the palate. This singular, opulent, powerful Syrah has tremendous character and will keep for a decade." Jeb Dunnuck 96