Clayhouse Vineyard, Paso Robles (California) Syrah 2010

So I’m sitting here plowing through a flight of red wines and come across a Syrah that has everything I’m looking for: intense aroma, in this case ripe blackberry, blueberry and red currant, and a gorgeous nose that’s spicy and peppery. On the palate it has richness and power without being heavy (13.5 percent alcohol by volume). And it finishes with smooth tannins and tremendous persistence of flavor. Best of all, it’s only $15. So consider this Clayhouse Syrah from Paso Robles one of my new top contenders for best-value red wine of 2012.