Current Release
2018 Syrah, MJM 750ML
MJM is our flagship, Syrah-based blend, named in honor of our wives Michelle, Jen and Mitchi. We farm Syrah from several precise blocks in both Ballard Canyon and Sta. Rita Hills, and we select only the finest, most dramatic, barrels for this blend, to which we add small amounts of Grenache (a small amount of Viognier is co-fermented with the Syrah). The resulting wine is given additional aging until we feel it is ready for bottling. Depending upon vintage, élevage lasts anywhere from 24 to 34 months.
The 2018 Vintage was generally cool, with a short period of heat in August, but well before the Syrah was close to ripe. September turned very cool, and the grapes ripened very slowly, ultimately being picked throughout October. The grapes had great color and intensity, but with a real sense of freshness from the excellent acidity. The 2018 MJM was crafted from wines from John Sebastiano (54%), Stolpman (32%), Larner (7%) & Kimsey (7%). Clones included 470, 383, Estrella, 174, Alban 1, and 3. This dramatically intense wine was aged for a total of 27 months in the finest French oak cooperage (Sylvain, Ermitage & Seguin Moreau) of which 55% was new.
The 2018 MJM will drink well early for its exuberant fruit and ripe structure, but it also has terrified concentration and balance for aging. Indeed, it reminds us of the 2016, another vintage showing freshness and exuberant fruits.
The wine was rated in barrel by Jeb Dunnuck who gave it 95-97+ Points and said:
“The 2018 Syrah MJM will spend another two years in barrels, but it looks to be screaming good at this point. Stunning black fruits, smoked game, charred meat, and peppery goodness all give way to a full-bodied, powerful Syrah that has a stacked mid-palate, ripe tannins, and flawless balance.”
Extremely Limited. Only 340 cases produced
The 2018 Vintage was generally cool, with a short period of heat in August, but well before the Syrah was close to ripe. September turned very cool, and the grapes ripened very slowly, ultimately being picked throughout October. The grapes had great color and intensity, but with a real sense of freshness from the excellent acidity. The 2018 MJM was crafted from wines from John Sebastiano (54%), Stolpman (32%), Larner (7%) & Kimsey (7%). Clones included 470, 383, Estrella, 174, Alban 1, and 3. This dramatically intense wine was aged for a total of 27 months in the finest French oak cooperage (Sylvain, Ermitage & Seguin Moreau) of which 55% was new.
The 2018 MJM will drink well early for its exuberant fruit and ripe structure, but it also has terrified concentration and balance for aging. Indeed, it reminds us of the 2016, another vintage showing freshness and exuberant fruits.
The wine was rated in barrel by Jeb Dunnuck who gave it 95-97+ Points and said:
“The 2018 Syrah MJM will spend another two years in barrels, but it looks to be screaming good at this point. Stunning black fruits, smoked game, charred meat, and peppery goodness all give way to a full-bodied, powerful Syrah that has a stacked mid-palate, ripe tannins, and flawless balance.”
Extremely Limited. Only 340 cases produced
Wine Profile
| Vintage | 2018 |
|---|---|
| Varietal | Syrah |
| Size | 750 ml |