Calcareous Vineyard, Paso Robles (California) Syrah 2008

 Ripe and rich and meaty, this is a serious Syrah with a dramatic personality.  Nascent bottle bouquet gives this a pleasantly earthy aromatic undertone, and some spicy oak in the finish serves to frame the flavorful fruit, which recalls dark berries above all.  There’s a bit alcoholic heat in the finish, but not so much that this couldn’t easily be tamed by teaming the wine with some juicy lamb chops.  Wine of the Year at the San Diego International Wine Competition.