Wines
of the Week:
Compelling Cali-Rhone - Syrah
Just
in
case you hadn't heard,California Syrah is awesome. Yeah, the
variety doesn't get the same fanfare as Caberenet, 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.
Click
on labels to enlarge |
Brecon
Estate 2014 Syrah
Winery:
Brecon Estate
Grape(s): 94% Syrah & 6% Counoise
Region: Paso Robles, Ca
Year:
2014
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 35-40
Review:
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
Winery:
Steele
Grape(s): 100% Syrah
Region:
Lake County, Ca
Year:
2012
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 10-15
Review:
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
Winery:
Sol Rouge
Grape(s): 100% Syrah
Region:
Lake
County, Ca
Year:
2013
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 35-40
Review:
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
Winery:
Hunt Cellars
Grape(s): 100% Syrah
Region:
Paso Robles, Ca
Year:
2012
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 45-50
Review:
The nose offers aromas of blackberries, black cherries,
and plums that infuse with hints 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
Winery:
Vie
Grape(s): 100% Syrah
Region:
Santa Barbara County, Ca
Year:
2013
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 45-50
Review:
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 elements 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
Winery:
Vie
Grape(s): 97% Syrah & 3% Viognier
Region:
Santa Barbara County, Ca
Year:
2013
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 45-50
Review:
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
Winery:
Vie
Grape(s): 98% Syrah & 2% Mourvedre
Region:
Santa Barbara County, Ca
Year:
2013
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 45-50
Review:
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 |
By
Jason Barlow
96
— 100 |
Spectacular |
92
— 95 |
Outstanding |
89
— 91 |
Great |
85
— 88 |
Good |
81
— 84 |
Solid |
|
*Wines
rated with a "+" need
a bit more time to reach peak quality
but will
do so over the coming years
|