You didn’t know this old, marble-pillared hotel had a basement bar until you hit the wrong elevator button. A little ten-seater, solid maple, shrouded in sweet tobacco haze, backed by toasted Scotch barrels, a clientele donning mulberry Stetsons and swing dresses—straight from the dark-fruit memories of decades past. The barkeep plates up a perfectly crusted Ribeye, tinged with thyme and spicy pepper, beside a Rob Roy in a crystal glass. Sophisticated and timeless. Except when you try to go back, the concierge says the owner passed in 1958, and it’s been closed ever since.
97 Points, Jeb Dunnuck
Rocking blackberry fruits, game, bouquet garni, leather, and graphite notes emerge from the 2021 Syrah White Hawk Vineyard, a 100% varietal that’s from a site in Santa Barbara County. Remarkably textured, full-bodied, and balanced, it has that classic Herman Story power and richness, as well as a light-on-its-feet, graceful, balanced style. It’s clearly not for the low alcohol crowd, but it’s a killer wine that offers so much pleasure.
95 Points, Wine Advocate
The 2021 Syrah White Hawk Vineyard was matured for 24 months entirely in new French oak. It has detailed, layered aromas of cassis, pipe tobacco, coffee beans, salami, pepper, iron and violet, blossoming dramatically as it spends time in the glass. The full-bodied palate is ripe and concentrated without being over-the-top or heavy. It has a frame of soft, grainy tannins, vibrant acidity and a long, mineral-driven finish. It will benefit from 3-5 years in bottle. 320 cases were made.
