Dutton-Goldfield’s 2013 Cherry Ridge Vineyard Syrah is a textbook example of how to handle this important French grape variety and kickstart its popularity. Winemaker Dan Goldfield has crafted a smoky, meaty syrah that could stand up to Guigal or Chapoutier in anyone’s blind tasting. It shows dark notes of blackberry and black currant, with an overlay of smoke and spice, and just a hint of the roasted game aroma that makes the wines of the northern Rhone so attractive.
Dutton-Goldfield, Russian River Valley (Sonoma County) Syrah 2013
By Robert Whitley