North Coast Syrah

Had fun with a “Judgement of Granite Bay” France vs. California challenge. Both ‘15s, both originally about the same price. The Bedrock was plush and luxurious on the palate while soft on the nose. Glorious to drink. The Graillott nose was like an epic poem about the inside of a French barn. Loved it. But the palate didn’t match. I could swirl and smell that Graillott forever.... and then following that with a sip of the Bedrock... managed the perfect wine!

Olive, garrigue, still lots of fruit, will check back in in a few years. Tremendous value.

I can say 2 things for sure. It’s more open than the 2016 and it’s still super young. Very fruit forward at this young stage with black fruit dominating but shows promise with hints of bacon and smoke. This will develop nicely, best on day 3.

Love it when the local wine shop knows me so well that when my GF shops for me they pull something out of the back that’s not even in the shelves yet . Need more in FL best QPR @CW Morg 💯

The recent syrah kick continues. A bit more fruit forward than some of the other cool climate sonoma examples lately (and a full point higher alc at 14.5%). Still 33%-50% whole cluster and native yeasts/minimal racking which adds up to syrah goodness. This is last years shipment and is a little more settled now but these could use a couple more years to integrate if you can keep your hands off as the new ones are arriving this week.

Juicy rhubarb, plums, sage, and sweet/savory notes.

The reason you should be drinking Cali Syrah.

Good.

Spice box, jam, and pepper. Lush and full bodied. Supple yet firm tannins. Still has miles to go.

Rich, bold, in-your-face. Lots of blackberry pie, Christmas spice, and pepper. Still one of the better values in Syrah, but extracted.