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Just in case you hadn’t heard, California Syrah is awesome. Yeah, the variety doesn’t get the same fanfare as Cabernet, but that doesn’t mean, it can’t be a rich, deep, and flavorful. A well made one will be layered with lovely fruit and spice and pairs beautifully with grilled meats.
Brecon Estate 2014 Syrah
Grape(s): 94% Syrah & 6% Counoise
Region: Paso Robles , Ca
Price: 35-40
Tasting Notes:
Aromatics of blackberries, plums, and currants mingle with suggestions of cocoa, clove, and white pepper. A sip reveals flavors of blackberry, boysenberry, and plum that open up into undertones of cinnamon, cocoa, and pepper. Dark fruit and a solid structure make roasted lamb shank a fine match.
Rating: 90
Steele 2012 “Shooting Star” Syrah
Grape(s): 100% Syrah
Region: Lake County , Ca
Price: 10-15
Tasting Notes:
Aromas of blackberries, plums, and boysenberries come together with allusions of toasty vanilla and spice on the nose. With a sip, flavors of plum, boysenberry, and blackberry come forth on the palate, alongside hints of pepper and vanilla. A wine with refined tannins and a fine balance of fruit and spice, open a bottle with a spicy chicken dish. 1,200 cases produced.
Rating: 88
Sol Rouge 2013 Syrah
Grape(s): 100% Syrah
Region: Lake County , Ca
Price: 35-40
Tasting Notes:
Fragrances of plums, blackberries, cherries, and pepper rise up from a glass. Flavors of blackberry, black cherry, and plum unfold on the palate, accented by elements of white pepper, minerals, and nutmeg. Dark fruit and bright spice make this a winner for fans of Syrah. Just 25 cases were made.
Rating: 90
Hunt Cellars 2014 “Hilltop Serenade” Syrah
Grape(s): 100% Syrah
Region: Paso Robles , Ca
Price: 45-50
Tasting Notes:
The nose offers aromas of blackberries, black cherries, and plums that fuse with traces of sweet spice, dark chocolate, and dusty earth. Blackberry, cherry, and raspberry flavors combine with whispers of toasty oak, chocolate, and clove on the palate. With ample fruit and polished tannins, open a bottle with a buffalo burger.
Rating: 93
Vie 2013 Thompson Vineyard Syrah
Grape(s): 100% Syrah
Region: Santa Barbara County, Ca
Price: 45-50
Tasting Notes:
Notes of blackberries, blueberries, and dark cherries blend with expressions of earth and sweet spice on the nose. A sip delivers flavors of bramble fruit, plum, and cherry that unfurl into nuances of pepper, earth, and baking spice. Dark fruit, hearty spice, and good structure endear this wine to a lovely selection of gamy meats. Only 25 cases produced.
Rating: 91
Vie 2013 White Hawk Vineyard Syrah
Grape(s): 97% Syrah & 3% Viognier
Region: Santa Barbara County, Ca
Price: 45-50
Tasting Notes:
Aromatics of blackberries, boysenberries, and currants meld with allusions of pepper, vanilla, and minerals on the nose. Flavors of blackberry, plum, and boysenberry emerge on the palate, nestled among suggestions of peppercorns, vanilla, and earth. Nice layers and a lovely balance fruit and spice make this a fine example of Syrah. Just 25 cases were made.
Rating: 92
Vie 2013 “Les Amours” Syrah
Grape(s): 98% Syrah & 2% Mourvedre
Region: Santa Barbara County, Ca
Price: 45-50
Tasting Notes:
A bouquet of plums, blackberries, and raspberries interweaves with notes of spice, anise, and vanilla on the nose. The palate delivers flavors of bramble fruit, plum, and cherry that flow into highlights of white pepper, vanilla, and licorice. Fruit and spice are in harmony with this wine, making it very compelling. A mere 25 cases produced.
Rating: 90
