Pete Bloomberg started his California negociant project, Llewelyn, while assisting some highly respected natural winemakers in Sonoma. His approach goes beyond organic, into honest, regenerative farming and no irrigation. While he doesn't own his vineyards, he sources his grapes from multi-generational family estates that share his philosophy. This 100% Syrah from AMT Vineyards in Mendocino is fully destemmed, sees 7 days of maceration with the skins before it's pressed into neutral oak to ferment spontaneously. The wine is aged for a year on its lees, then racked and aged an additional 6 months off the lees. The result is a brooding dark violet, medium-to-full boded Syrah with firm tannins and lively, balanced acidity. Plum, fig and violet flavors are followed by secondary flavors of tar, smoke, and mossy wet earth. Pairs wonderfully with white peppercorn-crusted rack of lamb with horseradish cream or a strong cheese plate featuring Stilton or Roquefort.