The 2007 J. Lohr Estates South Ridge Syrah is grown on a combination of predominantly sandy and gravelly soils, to reign in Syrah’s rangy growth potential. The name South Ridge is derived from the orientation of its namesake vineyard, which sits on a south-facing hillside, resulting in fruit with intense flavors. As the popularity of Syrah has grown, we have planted two additional estate vineyards which include both Australian and French clones – one, block 15, is within a mile of the original planting, and the second is eight miles south in a slightly cooler area of the Paso Robles AVA.

This is a rich, jammy, fruit driven Syrah, which made it a favorite among our guest tasters. The panel found blackberry, plum, and cherry aromas rounded out by notes of leather, pepper, and oak. Boysenberry, blackberry, and currants pack the palate, with suggestions of bacon, oak, and vanilla mingling around the fruit flavors. Lamb stew would make a very nice pairing.

FBWorld Panel Score: 88