Hughes Family Vineyards, Sonoma Valley (Sonoma County, California) Syrah 2010

Among the most impressive Syrahs from California that I’ve tasted in a long time, this shows terrific fruit with great intensity of flavor that wasn’t purchased at the price of over-ripeness or anything obvious in terms of overt sweetness.  On the contrary, savory and spice notes take the lead from the first whiff through the midpalate and finish, with well-balanced oak and a beam of bright acidity that brings the northern Rhône to mind much more than a New World locale.  Exemplary stuff.  A platinum award winner at the Critics Challenge International Wine Competition.