Beckmen Purisima Mountain Vineyard Syrah 2020, Ballard Canyon
Classic Purisima Mountain Vineyard Syrah aromas and flavors of black fruits, chocolate, game, pepper, and smoke are ripe and intense in the 2020 vintage. Very ripe, fine tannins frame the bold flavors and rounded texture. Somehow through all the heat, …
Booker “Fracture” Syrah 2017, Paso Robles
Jeb Dunnuck: The purple-hued 2017 Fracture (100% Syrah aging in 65% new barrels) is another wine that shows a more fresh, elegant style, all while still packing rock star levels of fruit and texture. Cassis, vanilla bean, spice, and background …
Booker “Vertigo” 2017, Paso Robles
Jeb Dunnuck: Lastly, the 2017 Vertigo checks in as 63% Syrah, 30% Mourvèdre, 4% Grenache, and the balance Petite Sirah that’s still aging in 65% new French oak. One of the more voluptuous, sexy 2017s from Jenson, it boasts loads …
Carlisle Sierra Mar Vineyard Syrah 2018, Santa Lucia Highlands
94-97 points Vinous: As good as the Rosella’s Syrah is, the 2018 Sierra Mar has an added kick of everything. Inky dark fruit, chocolate, spice, leather, menthol and licorice all build in a deep, expansive Syrah loaded with character. The …
Chateau de Campuget Tradition Rouge 2016, Costieres de Nimes
A fun, quaffable red. 65% Syarh, 30% Grenache, 5% Mourvedre.
Domaine Vincent Paris Cornas “Granit 30” 2016
90-92 points Wine Advocate: The 2016 Cornas Granit 30 had been blended and was in tank awaiting bottling during my visit. Medium to full-bodied, it’s already almost drinkable, showing attractive and classic notes of crushed stone, blood and cherries, reasonably …
Domaine Vincent Paris Cornas “Granit 30” 2019
94 points Vinous: “Mineral-driven aromas of ripe black/blue fruits, peony, olive and exotic spices on the nose. Sappy and focused on the palate, offering gently sweet, mineral-kissed cherry and blueberry flavors that deepen slowly with air and show sharp delineation. …
Eleven Eleven Estate Syrah 2018, Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley
Complex, powerful and bold, with a delicious array of flavors including blackberry, toffee, spice, pepper, bacon fat, tobacco and anise. Amazing!
Herman Story Nuts & Bolts Syrah 2019, California
Winemaker notes: These fireworks have crossed three state lines in the back of a wood-paneled station wagon, because there’s no way you’re getting shown up by Jed Miller again. We’re talking strawberry strobes, blueberry bursts, and sweet basil flares, synchronized …
Jeff Runquist “R” Syrah 2020, Paso Robles
Winery notes: The 2020 vintage has a deep ruby purple color with hues that are bright and youthful. One whiff and it is obvious this is a “New World” Syrah; bursting at the seams with plenty of ripe blackberry and …
Jeff Runquist R Petite Sirah 2022, Clarksburg
Classic Jeff Runquist, this oozes ripe fruit, with toasty oak, vanilla and caramel notes. Smooth tannins help create a lush mouthfeel.
L’Aventure Optimus 2020, Paso Robles Willow Creek District
95 points Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate: A blend of 58% Syrah, 31% Cabernet Sauvignon and 11% Petit Verdot, the 2020 Optimus has a deep ruby color and a deep core of red and black cherries, chargrill, thyme, charcuterie and desiccated …
Luca Laborde Double Select Syrah 2020, Uco Valley
93 points James Suckling: Intense nose of cassis, ripe blackberries, dried blueberries, charcoal, cracked pepper, bitter chocolate, cloves and tea leaves. Medium-to full-bodied with very fine, tight tannins. Dark, spicy and vibrant. Try after 2023.
Matetic Coralillo Syrah 2017, San Antonio Valley
Deep and lively purple in color. The intense varietal aromas of red fruits, violets, and black pepper are in balance with notes of chocolate and spices from the oak. The palate has big body and intensity, and is balanced and …
Mollydooker Blue Eyed Boy Shiraz 2020, McLaren Vale
Winery notes: The 2020 Blue Eyed Boy is rich, ripe and explosive, this Shiraz displays vibrant blueberry, plum and notes of dark chocolate. A voluptuous palate of blue and black fruit layered with coffee, vanilla cream and liquorice spice. A …
Mollydooker The Boxer Shiraz 2019, South Australia
92 points Wine Spectator: Thick, with sink-your-teeth-into-them tannins and powerful, ripe blackberry, huckleberry and blueberry flavors that show aromatic accents of allspice, Earl Grey tea, vanilla bean, milk chocolate and dried violet on the finish. Drink now through 2036. 90 …
Mollydooker Two Left Feet 2019, South Australia
Winery notes: This seamless blend of Shiraz, Merlot and Cabernet has created an enticing wine that exceeds all expectations. Ripe fruits of dark cherry, blackberry, plum and raspberry are complimented by the secondary notes of vanilla and mixed spices. The silky, …
Paul Jaboulet Aine Crozes Hermitage Les Jalets 2016
Winery notes: Beautiful ruby color with shades of purple. The nose opens up with notes of small red fruits, red currant and floral notes of violet with a touch of licorice. The wine is generous and gourmand on the palate. …
Penfolds Grange 2011, South Australia
93 points Wine Advocate: 2011 was of course a difficult, uncharacteristically rainy vintage in South Australia and particularly Barossa, but thanks to Penfolds’ privileged position with access to some of the region’s best fruit, they have nonetheless been able to …
San Simeon Estate Reserve Petite Sirah 2019, Paso Robles
92 points Wine Enthusiast: Cassis, cola cream and black cherry sauce aromas make for a rich entry to the nose of this bot- tling. There is ample firmness on the palate, where a grippy frame upholds flavors of violet, cassis, …
