2019 Downstream Red Wine | Paso Robles, California 750ml

Downstream is a joint project between Justin Smith - a world-class vigneron, Philippe Cambie - a famous Rhone enologist, and Sasha Verhage - the visionary connector. Philippe wanted his first California wine project to be with the formidable Justin Smith of Saxum. Sasha united them.
The project, wine, and sensibility bridge the best of California's Central Coast and France's Southern Rhone. It honors California's heritage by using Zinfandel, Mataro, and Petite Sirah as the core varietals. | Downstream Wines

...Offering an incredible bouquet of both black and blue fruits as well as white pepper, sandalwood, incense, and exotic spices, it's slightly more vibrant and focused than the 2018 and has flawless balance, no hard edges, and that rare mix of power and elegance that, to me, defines truly great wines. It's far from unapproachable today, yet it should easily evolve for another 10-15 years. What will be the last vintage of this wine due to the death of collaborator Philippe Cambie, it's a fine tribute to an incredible human being. | 99 points, Jeb Dunnuck for jebdunnuck.com