Zepaltas Wines

My boss, Adam Lee of Siduri Wines challenged me to name a “classic” Syrah vineyard from CA. I know plenty of great vineyards (James Berry, Alban Estate, Kick Ranch, etc.) there really in no clear-cut “classic” that is established right? I think that Adam is totally right. Syrah in California is at an even much younger stage than Pinot Noir is. Have we even made a “classic” syrah in CA yet? I know lots of great producers making incredible Syrahs, but are their name recognizable outside of the United States?

Well, I’d go to bat for Rosella’s Vineyard to be considered a classic syrah vineyard someday. It is farmed with great care by Gary Franscioni, and Gary is dead serious about his vines. This wine expresses typicity, it is consistent in quality, and it can easily be picked out in a blind tasting of other Syrahs. On the nose, the 2007 is a bit more meaty, but still expresses the usual coffee, citrus and blackberry character. On the palate, there is structure provided by the stem inclusion, and the chalky tannins. This wine is intense, and powerful but the mouthfeel is not cloying and over the top. This wine really needs at least an hour before drinking, and begs to be served with something braised. At this stage it has some tight grip, and will be a candidate for aging at least a year before thinking of popping a bottle.