2010 Torrin Akasha
Estimated value
Buying options
Tasting notes
Along with the 2015, the 2010 Syrah Akasha is a perfect wine. A blend of 95% Syrah and 5% Grenache coming all from the Hawley’s estate Torrin Vineyard, and from a cooler overall vintage that saw significant heat spikes going into harvest, it offers a kaleidoscope of violets, blueberries, cassis, crushed rocks, spring flowers, and exotic spices on the nose. These carry to a full-bodied, deep, multi-dimensional Syrah that has a rounded, voluptuous texture, a beautifully concentrated personality, not a hard edge to be found, and off the charts purity. It’s up with the greatest Syrahs from California and will keep for 2+ decades.
Critic scores
Average Score
The Wine Advocate
Jeb Dunnuck
More reviews and scores
The 2011 Akasha is another beautiful effort in the vintage. Made from 100% Syrah and aged in 55% new French oak, it comes from cooler, east- and north-facing plots, and harvest was on November 4th, two weeks later than in 2010. Its deep purple color is followed by loads of cassis and blackberry-styled fruit, ground pepper, licorice and baking spice, and it hits the palate with a full-bodied, lightly textured and graceful feel. Carrying plenty of savory tannin, solid mid-palate depth and a brilliant length on the finish...Made by Scott Hawley, these are classic Paso blends that never lack for fruit or texture, yet always back it up with superb underlying structure. (JD)
The 2011 Akasha, 100% Syrah, is another gorgeous, totally voluptuous wine. Here it is the wine's textural elegance and pure resonance that stand out above all else. This is a classic Paso Syrah built on richness, texture and volume. (AG)
My favorite of the lineup and a totally knockout effort that will stand toe-to-toe with the best wines of the vintage, the 2010 Akasha is 95% Syrah and 5% Grenache that spent 18 months in 60% new French oak. Offering up incredibly pure creme de cassis, tobacco, chocolate, crushed flowers and hints of scorched earth, it flows seamlessly onto the palate with a full-bodied, massively concentrated, yet oh so fine and focused texture that’s hard to beat. Still tannic and youthful, give it another handful of years in the cellar and enjoy over the following decade or longer. Drink 2015-2030. With his first release in 2006, owner/winemaker Scott Hawley has quickly risen to the top tier of producers in California. Pulling extensively from creme de la creme vineyards on the west side of Paso Robles, he is becoming more and more focused on his estate Torrin Vineyard, which is located just behind Eric Jenson’s Booker Vineyard. While these wines are not for the faint of heart and dish out serious levels of fruit and tannin, they possess gorgeous purity of fruit and seamless, even elegant profiles. They lean toward the more savory, masculine side of the spectrum, and to a wine, will benefit from cellar time and age gracefully. I’m often asked who is the next up-and-coming estate in Paso. Torrin is always in the response. Don’t miss these! Tel. (805) 550-2058; www.torrinwine.com