2019 Charles Smith K Vintners The Cattle King Syrah, Snipes Mountain, USA

Winemaker Notes
This one rides the range with notes of grilled meat, dried herbs, wild sarsaparilla, white pepper and a whisper of menthol. Dusty, taunting and moody. Baked rock, earthy licorice, black cherry compote, with a lightness of being. Lively, dense and enticing. It goes the distance.

Press
Rated 97 Points Vinous
The 2020 Syrah Cattle King is spicy and floral in the glass, with masses of crushed violets and black raspberry offset by smoky sage, rosemary and cocoa. This flows across the palate with a wave of ripe red and blue-toned berries offset by brisk acidity and a hint of sour citrus, adding contrast toward the close. It tapers off with a black hole of structure, seeming to fold in upon itself while tugging at the cheeks, as purple-toned inner florals and salted licorice resonate throughout. Wow. Bury your bottles deep, and then reap the rewards.

Rated 96 Points James Suckling
This shows earthy character, together with purple fruit, violets, anisette, crushed rosemary and cured meat. Full and chewy with firm and tight tannins that last for minutes. A deep core of dark fruit underneath and a velvety, chocolatey finish. Try from 2026.

Rated 95 Points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Dense, dark and brooding, the 2020 Syrah Cattle King is firmly layered with dusty notions of spicy blackberry skin and resinous purple flowers with hints of savory herbs. Full-bodied, fresh and food-friendly, the wine features a delightful tart black cherry note across the palate with succulent acidity and fine-grained tannins that will either need time in bottle or food in youth. Enjoy young with barbecue, or allow it to rest in the cellar until 2026. The wine rested for 21 months on the lees in 50% new French oak.