I love it when a start up winery looks at what will grow on the land that it has rather than trying to grow what they think will sell. California’s South Coast AVA has a huge variety of micro-climates, and they need to be researched well before planting — there are places where Albariño grows very well, and many Mediterranean varieties thrive in other areas. Syrah and Escondido seem to have a good relationship, and this wine bears that out. It’s made in a ripe style that doesn’t get overly sweet, and has the pepper, tar and spice to balance the ripe black and blue berry fruit flavors. Nicely done!
Tuscandido Winery, South Coast (California) Syrah 2013
By Rich Cook