Winemaker Notes
A bowl of summer fruits including sweet blackberries, raspberries, black olives and pomegranates which are highlighted by black pepper, violets, and fresh green olive scents that develop and evolve with air. Vivacious and bright in the mouth with real density of flavor and concentration from the long cool growing season.
Pairs well with a burger fresh off the grill.
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
A floral nose of rose petals and violets with notes of baking spice and red cherries as well. Full-bodied with tight, structured tannins. The spice and earth really sing on the palate, giving depth and complexity to the crushed and fleshy red and black fruit. Drink now
Marked by an unmistakable deep purple hue and savory aromatics, Syrah makes an intense, powerful and often age-worthy red. Native to the Northern Rhône, Syrah achieves its maximum potential in the steep village of Hermitage and plays an important component in the Red Rhône Blends of the south, adding color and structure to Grenache and Mourvèdre. Syrah is the most widely planted grape of Australia and is important in California and Washington. Sommelier Secret—Such a synergy these three create together, the Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre trio often takes on the shorthand term, “GSM.”
Reaching up California's coastline and into its valleys north of San Francisco, the North Coast AVA includes six counties: Marin, Solano, Napa, Sonoma, Mendocino and Lake. While Napa and Sonoma enjoy most of the glory, the rest produce no shortage of quality wines in an intriguing and diverse range of styles.
Climbing up the state's rugged coastline, the chilly Marin County, just above the City and most of Sonoma County, as well as Mendocino County on the far north end of the North Coast successfully grow cool-climate varieties like Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and in some spots, Riesling. Inland Lake County, on the other hand, is considerably warmer, and Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel and Sauvignon Blanc produce some impressive wines with affordable price tags.