I enjoyed the brambly aromas and flavors and ripe fruit that make this syrah easy drinking on its own. It opens with deep notes of blackberries and plums weaved with notes of earth, game, and smoke, and a satisfying, lingering finish. I’d pair this with equally bold dishes, grilled ribeye steak, pasta with porcini mushrooms and sausage, or leg of lamb. This vintage is delicious and drinkable now, but it will taste much better with some aging if you can stand stashing it away for three to five years. This is one of winemaker John Alban’s most popular syrahs because it’s affordable for people when compared to his rare and higher priced reserve wines. Available at Tastes of the Valleys Pismo Beach, the price is $48 retail.
This article appears in Feb 27 – Mar 6, 2014.