Professional reviews
Robert Parker (93)
Tasted before bottling, the 2022 Syrah Life And Death is the first single-variety bottling from Fingers Crossed. It was sourced from Bien Nacido and Stolpman Vineyards, fermented with 18% whole clusters and aged for 21 months in 61% new French oak. True to the varietal makeup, the nose is darkly fruited and streaked with hints of black pepper, framed with a dusty, herbal quality that melds with touches of alcoholic heat. The palate is ripe, soft and luscious in texture, transitioning to a gritty, slightly hot finish. This was a moving target in the glass and could improve after bottling, although that back-end burn is problematic.
Vinous (96)
The 2022 Syrah Life and Death marks the first 100% Syrah Julia and Nikolas Krankl have made under Fingers Crossed, and it's a beauty. Inky and opaque in the glass, the 2022 is plush, enveloping and seamless, with all edges polished and finely honed. Lavender, sage, orange peel and ripe blackberry saturate the palate, while slaty mineral undertones and ultra-refined tannins carry the finish. The fruit is sourced from Bien Nacido and Stolpman—two of the finest Syrah vineyards in Santa Barbara County, if not California. Density and concentration abound, yet there's unmistakable grace and drive here.
Jeb Dunnuck (100)
Another singular, as well as absolutely perfect, wine from this remarkable family team, the 2022 Syrah Life And Death is 100% Syrah from Bien Nacido and Stolpman vineyards, aged 21 months in 61% new oak. It has a deep ruby/purple hue as well as a classic Bien Nacido nose of blackberries, pepper, iodine, and iron notes, with perfectly integrated background spicy oak. Deep, pure, elegant, and beautifully balanced on the palate, it has full-bodied richness, integrated acidity, and a seamless profile. This is stunning stuff that will benefit from 2-3 years of bottle age and can be enjoyed over the following two decades. Drink 2027-2047.
