2024 Samuel Louis Smith - Syrah Santa Cruz Mountains Sandstone Terrace (750ml)

Sam Smith launched his namesake label in 2014 as a micro-négociant after a winding path into wine, one that took him from studying languages at UC Santa Barbara to a life-changing semester in Bordeaux and later a UC Davis winemaking certificate. He honed his craft making Pinot Noir in the Willamette Valley, working a pivotal harvest with François Villard in the Northern Rhône, and serving as assistant winemaker for Margerum before becoming winemaker at Morgan Winery, where his focus on cool-climate, high-elevation, organically farmed fruit took shape.

Sandstone Terrace draws from organically and sustainably farmed vineyards spread across the Santa Cruz and Gabilan Mountains, at elevations reaching up to 2,300 feet on soils built from decomposed sandstone and granite. The fruit is fermented largely with whole clusters, a technique that lends the wine its lifted, aromatic character, and production is kept small at under 200 cases. The high-elevation sites and cool growing conditions bring out a leaner, more savory expression of Syrah than warmer California examples typically offer.

The wine is deeply colored, with aromas of brambleberry, violet, and rose petal joined by white pepper and cured meat. The palate is energetic and taut, carrying red and blue fruit flavors alongside cracked pepper and a chalky, mineral edge through a long finish. Pair it with grilled lamb, smoked meats, or a peppery charcuterie board.