If Temecula is comparable to the Rhône region of France, then Syrah should be a strong point for the wineries in the area. This particular offering doesn’t disappoint those looking for common Syrah flavors but there are a couple unique characteristics. As to be expected this poured a very deep red but it was still shy of the inky violet colors I’ve seen with other varietals. The biggest surprise came on the nose: a lot of barnyard funk and damp hay. But after some more scrutiny those particular aromas faded and gave way to dark fruits, light smokiness, and vanilla. Blackberries, dark cherries, plums lead the way in flavor but smoke, pecan wood, and bacon quickly sneak up and steal the show. Black pepper helps seal off the finish after a nice dollop of vanilla. The body is somewhere between medium and full with a rich, chewy texture and tannins that sneak up just like the savory flavors. There’s some acidity but it doesn’t take center stage at any point, leaving the fruits closer to stewed or dried in flavor concentration. It’s a nice Syrah overall but the price tag of $35 will hit fairly hard for the quality.
Written: March 7, 2016
Rating: 8.0 out of 10
Cost/Quality Rating: 2.5 out of 5
The Friendly Snob 