The 2017 Syrah Soberanes Vineyard was made using 100% whole cluster and about 30% new oak. Very deep purple-black in color, the nose opens to aromas of violets, crushed granite, menthol, cassis, smoked meat touches and an impenetrable core of blue and black fruits. Full-bodied, dense and intense in the mouth with tons of juicy, spicy, savory and blue fruits, it has firm, chewy tannins and just enough freshness to lift the dense finish. 168 cases produced.

Aged 16 months in 50% new French oak and fermented with 100% whole-cluster (the 2011 saw 70%), the 2012 Syrah Soberanes Vineyard is a serious effort in a vintage that produced way too many mid-weight, superficial efforts. Loaded with peppery herbs, black fruits, crushed rock and gamey nuances, it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, a tight, structured feel plus beautiful length. It will be better in another year and evolve nicely through 2024.

Moving to the Syrahs, which always over-deliver from this producer, the 2011 Syrah Soberanes Vineyard saw 70% whole cluster inclusion and 18 month in 30-40% new French oak. The first release for this cuvee, it offers up a glass-staining, inky color to go with complex pepper, tobacco, chalky minerality, mint and serious levels of fruit on both the nose and palate. Rich, full-bodied and textured, it’s beautifully balanced and finishes with terrific length. Enjoy it through 2021. Drink now-2021. This estate is managed by the Pisoni Family, and high quality and realistic prices are the name of the game here. Year in, year out, these wines over-deliver. While 2011 was an extremely cool, long season, these wines have beautiful ripeness as well as clean, pure aromas and flavors. Tel. (800) 946.3130; www.luciavineyards.com