99 pts - Wine Advocate
The Syrah releases started with the 2012 Syrah Stock. Coming mostly from the Eleven Confessions vineyard in the Sta. Rita Hills, it also has portions from Cumulus, The Third Twin and White Hawk. Made from 84% Syrah, 7% Grenache, 6% Petite Sirah, 2% Viognier and the rest Mourvedre, it spent 20 months (it’s not yet bottled) in 52% new French oak. Showing the purity and suppleness of the vintage, yet with no lack of concentration, depth or richness, it gives up fabulous cassis, black raspberry, smoked meats and violet-like aromas and flavors that continue to change in the glass. In short, it’s a rock-star Syrah that could come from nowhere else. It should be approachable on release and evolve gracefully for two decades or more.-JD
96 pts - Vinous
The 2012 Syrah Stock has come together beautifully since I last tasted it a year ago. In particular, the Stock seems to have gained a measure of focus and precision I did not see back then. The inclusion of 32% whole clusters is felt in the wine's floral, savory aromatics and overall sense of freshness. The spherical, creamy finish alone is simply stunning. This is a fabulous showing. The 2012 is 84% Syrah, 7% Grenache, 6% Petite Sirah, 1% Mourvèdre and 2% Viognier, done with 32% whole clusters. The wine spent about 21 months in French oak, 52% new. Vineyard sources are 47% Eleven Confessions, 27% Cumulus, 17% Third Twin and 9% White Hawk.- Antonio Galloni (08/2015)