2023 Stolo Family Vineyards Estate Syrah is one of California’s most compelling cool-climate Syrahs, grown in Cambria just a few miles from the Pacific Ocean. Stolo’s estate vineyard is one of the defining coastal sites of the San Luis Obispo Coast, shaped by fog, ocean air, and long, slow ripening that gives Syrah more pepper, herbs, acidity, and savory nuance than the richer, heavier styles found farther inland. The 2023 is especially striking at only 12% alcohol, showing just how cold and marginal this site can be for Syrah, yet the wine still carries real depth and ageworthy structure. This is not jammy California Syrah; it is bright, lifted, and Northern Rhône-inspired, with black pepper, sage, juniper, olive tapenade, elderberry, black raspberry, anise, and a savory mineral finish. For anyone who loves Syrah with freshness, spice, and coastal energy, this is one of the most interesting domestic examples we have seen. 2020 was one of our best Syrahs deals ever, and the 2023 is all around better and comes highly recommended!