2011 was a challenging vintage. "We had a lot of frost that knocked out everything," recalls winemaker Jordan Fiorentini. "Everything was affected by frost in early April, so most of the shoots were secondary." Grapes for the 2011 Block B Syrah were harvested on October 17th and 25th, made with 25% whole cluster, and matured for 17 months in 55% new French oak barrels and puncheons. Opaque in color, it opens with some flinty, graphite notes that give way to classic scents of milk chocolate, violet, peppered meats and cassis. The palate is silky and fresh, with pleasingly restrained, mineral-laced fruits and a long, spicy finish. It's drinking wonderfully now but will continue to evolve over the next 5-8 years in bottle. 236 cases were made.

The 2011 Block B is the star of the show. Made from 100% Syrah and aged 17 months in 55% new French oak barrels and puncheons, it possesses the classic chalky minerality that the cuvee always shows, as well as thrilling amounts of cassis, black raspberry, bacon fat and dark chocolate. Full-bodied, deeply concentrated and with incredible purity, it has a stacked mid-palate and fine tannin that emerge on the finish. Already approachable, I see no reason to delay gratification, yet it will have another decade of longevity to be sure. – August 2014 ( Jeb Dunnuck)

Dark and firm, with intense blackberry, road tar, cedar and black licorice notes. Slow to unfold, but does so in a focused, meaningful manner. This is tough to wrestle down, but worth it. Drink now through 2024. – April 2014 (James Laube)