96 Points Vinous
The 2023 Syrah The Initiation comes from Soberanes Vineyard, which is, judging by the litany of stunning Syrahs off this vineyard in 2023, a proper Grand Cru site for Syrah in the United States. The Initiation is an explosive, powerful, richly blue-fruited wine with so much depth and head-spinning complexity. The textural richness is off the charts. Black raspberry, dark chocolate, eucalyptus, sage brush and sweet spice run sprints through the mouth, lingering long through the exuberant finish. Not only is this a serious wine, it’s surprisingly enjoyable today.
 
96 Points Jeb Dunnuck
The 2023 Syrah The Initiation is from the Soberanes Vineyard and is made from a clone that was brought over from cuttings in Côte Rôtie. In the glass, it pours a saturated purple color and opens to elegant and savory aromatics of toasted peppercorn, lavender oils, black olive, and preserved plums. It’s full-bodied, coats the palate with plush tannins, and has a youthful primary feel. It has balanced length and is going to benefit from time in bottle, shedding its baby fat and leaning into the more savory character that weaves through the wine beautifully. Drink 2027-2037.
 
95 Points The Wine Palate
The 2023 The Initiation Syrah is 100% Syrah. Deep garnet-purple colored, it erupts with notes of blackberry pie and juicy black plums, followed by hints of black pepper, lavender, and Provence herbs. The full-bodied palate has sturdy/chewy tannins and bold freshness supporting the bright black fruits, finishing long and savory.
 
92 Points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2023 Syrah The Initiation comes from the Soberanes Vineyard. Matured for 16 months in 75% new French oak, it has layered aromas of cassis, boysenberry, black licorice, white pepper and violet. The full-bodied palate is bursting with concentrated, perfumed flavors. It’s framed by abundant, grainy tannins and juicy acidity and has a long, layered finish. 116 cases produced.
 
Winemaker Note: About the Name
Cattleya was born in 2011 with a single barrel of Syrah from the Soberanes Vineyard. It marked the beginning of my journey as the proprietor and winemaker of my own wine label. This site became my initiation -making wine from the variety I worked with so much in France, among the steep hillsides of the famed Cote-Rotie appellation in the Rhone Valley.
 
Tasting Note
With its inky garnet core fading to a vibrant fuchsia edge, this cool climate Syrah exudes quiet luxury and refined elegance. The nose is layered and expressive, offering notes of pink peppercorn blossom, dark Santa Rosa plum, blackberry and delicate hyacinth. On the palate, the wine opens with restraint, gradually revealing nuanced layers of thyme, eucalyptus, black pepper and blueberry compote. Firm, youthful tannins and lively acidity provide balance and structure, promising a graceful evolution and continued refinement with time. Enjoy from now through 2050.