This classic Syrah keeps improving with every bottle I try (I bought half a case when it was released last spring). Frankly, it’s amazing there is still some available. It offers delicious black and red fruits, which are ripe but not overly so. It still exhibits fresh fruit flavors of black cherries, blackberries, and plums with tasty notes of smoky meat that speaks of the Rhone Valley in France. It’s quite delicious on its own, and a delightful partner with food: rack of lamb, red wine braised short ribs, grilled quail, or buffalo. Still available at the tasting room in Santa Ynez Valley or online, it’s bargain priced at $25 retail for its quality.
This article appears in Jan 19-26, 2012.
