If you’ve been reading my reviews for a while, you’ve gathered that I’m a fan of cool climate when it comes to Rhone varieties in California — it seems to bring out the complexity possible with the grapes. Lafond consistently scores well with this wine, for reasons that include solid acidic structure, fine use of new oak, bright cherry, blueberry, white pepper and leaf aromas and flavors that are well integrated with the oak spice. The finish is quite long, co-mingling the fruit and wood tones beautifully, and showing a food friendly, mouthwatering finish that begs you to come back. A Platinum Award winner at the 2016 Winemaker Challenge International Wine Competition.
Lafond, Sta. Rita Hills (California) Syrah / Grenache 2012
By Rich Cook