Samuel Louis Smith 'Sandstone Terrace' Syrah 2024

Winemaking

Samuel Louis Smith approaches winemaking with a focus on expressing terroir through careful vineyard selection and minimal intervention in the cellar. His work emphasizes the unique mineral and structural qualities that emerge from specific vineyard sites, allowing the fruit and place to speak clearly in the glass.

Tasting Notes

This Syrah opens with inviting aromas of blackberry and ripe plum, underpinned by white pepper and a subtle mineral earthiness that speaks to the Sandstone Terrace vineyard's distinctive character. On the palate, the wine feels elegant and balanced, with moderate tannins that provide structure without overwhelming the vibrant dark fruit core. The acidity is bright and clean, carrying you through to a peppery, mineral-tinged finish where the blackberry notes linger gracefully. This is a medium-bodied expression that prioritizes refinement and drinkability over power.

Producer

Samuel Louis Smith operates as a focused, quality-driven producer who works closely with select vineyard sites to craft wines that reflect their specific identity. The Sandstone Terrace vineyard designation indicates a commitment to single-site bottlings that showcase distinct terroir characteristics.

Terroir

The Sandstone Terrace vineyard, as its name suggests, sits on soils composed of weathered sandstone that impart distinctive mineral qualities to the wine. This geology, combined with the vineyard's exposure and microclimate, creates the structural elegance and peppery character evident in this Syrah.

Food Pairings

Try this with a casual cheeseburger topped with caramelized onions and a touch of pepper—the wine's bright acidity and moderate weight make it surprisingly food-friendly for everyday fare. For a more composed pairing, consider pan-seared duck breast with a cherry gastrique, where the wine's structure and dark fruit complement the richness and slight sweetness of the sauce. A Mediterranean-style lamb chop seasoned with herbs and cracked pepper would also be an excellent match, playing beautifully with the wine's peppery finish.