It’s a Syrah Saturday!

Cause the Robb Report is right. “California’s take on the Northern Rhône’s noble red deserves its own devoted fan base.” Therefore, we’ve locked down some insane Syrah deals and decided to spotlight them on Saturdays until we can’t. There are a lot of good buys out there for Syrah these days, but VERY FEW outstanding ones, as in… “gorgeous and distinctive wines that will appeal to those who appreciate energy and vibrancy” per Vinous.

“What a wine!” Indeed.

You lovely, thirsty people…STOP! Get some of this. REJOICE. And then, go about your Saturday (with a knowing grin and a certain saunter in your step…)

This is one for the record books. 96 Points… AND 55% off the release price (already an epic price for this goodness.) All for you!

Jolie-Laide is a name you ought to know if you don’t yet. Scott Schult and his partner Jenny Schult focus on distinct and fascinating wines. They pull interesting varietals, epic vineyards, and make the wines without a ton of intervention. Think natural wines without the funk.

This Syrah is simply gorgeous. From Hawk’s Butte Vineyard, located about 30 miles inland in Mendocino County’s Yorkville Highlands, it boasts coastal influence and ripe fruit. Visionaries such as Copain and Arrowood have been loving this fruit for many vintages with points aplenty!

We love an artsy label too! Jenny and Scott work with Creative Growth Art Center in Oakland, California, to feature top artists on their labels. New wine, new art. Each bottling celebrates a specific vintage and a unique opportunity for enjoyment.

And enjoyment we had!! This is a juicy, simply magical Syrah. Lush and rich in tannins with perfectly balanced acidity. This is big and bold and will round out perfectly over time. We, Spies, love the big, fresh fruit and the ostentatious texture here. If you’re like us, consider buying a case so you can enjoy some now, aaaaand keep some to cellar for later.

This is not one to be missed!

96 Points – Vinous “It’s great to get reacquainted with these wines following a few years that I missed them. Scott Schultz has done a terrific job in building Jolie-Laide from a small lab operating out of Pax Mahle’s facility to a winery with its own dedicated space. The range has grown considerably, too, and now includes several wines from elite sites. Schultz picks on the early side to emphasize freshness. The top reds are vinified with 100% stems and carbonic maceration. Schultz favors short aging for his entry-level reds (the 2022s in this report), while the top wines, including the 2021 Syrahs, see about 14 months in barrel, all neutral oak. These are gorgeous and distinctive wines that will appeal to readers who appreciate energy and vibrancy. The 2021 Syrah Hawks Butte Vineyard is superb. Inky, rich and deep, yet also classically proportioned, the 2021 is so expressive today. Black Fruit, leather, game licorice, incense and chocolate build as this flamboyant, savory Syrah shows off its considerable allure. Hawks Butte seems perfectly suited to Scott Schultz. Give this a year or two to soften. What a wine! Steep Franciscan 2300 feet. Drink 2024-2036.”