This Syrah rides the line between the cool climate, lower alcohol style that I prefer, and the bold, meaty, tarry wines that carry more ripeness, and thus more heat. This manages to get to the best of both worlds, with no single characteristic screaming for attention. Focused acidity makes this possible, and it carries black and blue berry fruit, pencil shavings and intriguing spice notes through a long, fully integrated finish. If you’ve written off California Syrah in your mind, this bottle will re-open you.
Cattleya, Santa Lucia Highlands (Monterey County, California) Syrah 2019
By Rich Cook