This Syrah straddles the line between fleshy fat Paso Robles ripeness and a more peppery bright lighter style. It seems that this is accomplished by a fair amount of new American oak, which in this case doesn’t overwhelm the fruit with too much dill character. It tames the ripeness and lets the pepper character speak and brings fall spice notes forward in the finish to offset the black and blue fruit. Nice tannin structure, and a long finish. Nice work!
Lotierzo Family Vineyards, Paso Robles (California) Syrah 2013
By Rich Cook