Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2008 Syrah B.M.T. (76% Syrah and 24% Grenache) is a blend of fruit from the Tierra Alta Vineyard (50%), the Turner Vineyard (25%), and Colson Canyon (25%). Given how light the 2008 Grenache Colson Canyon is, I assume most of the finest Grenache fruit went into this B.M.T. blend as it is a killer wine. An opaque purple color is followed by sweet black raspberry, kirsch, lavender, licorice, and chalky/mineral notes. Full-bodied, exuberant, and bigger than life with tremendous purity and a terrific texture as well as finish, this beauty can be consumed over the next 10-15+ years. Rating 97+.
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Wine Spectator
A big, ripe style, with zesty, vibrant blackberry, wild berry, exotic spice, loamy earth, tar, anise and floral scents that slowly unfold to reveal more flavor pockets, delving into blueberry and huckleberry. This expressive red is supple, full-bodied, deep and persistent.
California is a winemaking colossus; by itself it is the fourth largest producer in the world. Red wine accounts for 56% of the total by volume, and red grapes 63% of total acres planted. In addition, a number of California red wines are heralded as being among the most prestigious and sought-after wines in the world.
While the state’s incredibly diverse geography, soils and microclimates allow for a wide array of styles, the key factor unifying California red wine is the abundance of sunshine and a long, consistent growing season. This leads to well-developed fruit marked both by impressive ripeness and balancing acidity.
The state’s most famous red wine region, of course, is Napa Valley, where Cabernet Sauvignon reigns as king. But California boasts a wealth of other impressive appellations. The much larger and climatically varied Sonoma County also produces world class California Cabernet, along with wonderful examples of California Pinot Noir and Zinfandel.
Fine versions of Cabernet and Zinfandel hail from Paso Robles as well, which is also gaining fame with Rhone varietals like Syrah and Grenache. As for Pinot Noir, terrific examples can be found from AVA’s such as Anderson Valley, Carneros, Santa Lucia Highlands and Sta. Rita Hills. Wineries in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo Counties are making wonderful Syrahs, and the Sierra Foothill appellations are proving to be an experimental hotbed, with Italian and Spanish varietals employed to great effect.
This of course is a mere sketch. The subject of California red wine is as deep and broad as an ocean, and absolutely a joy to explore!