THE RED WHALE California Syrah Tasting

A small collection of Syrahs from around California, along with a low-priced Syrah-based wine from Kermit Lynch for some context. Overall, we were impressed with the distinctiveness of these wines. I lost my notes for a Paso Robles bottle, but it was predictably goopy and hardly worth writing about. Obviously, I thought the La Clarine Farm was in another category, but the rest of the group liked the other wines equally.

• 2011 Bedrock Wine Co. Syrah North Coast 89 Points

  USA, California, North Coast

  Solid bottle. Tar and blackberry nose. A nice resin-pine combines with blackberry in the mouth. Lingering pepper. Quite good and robust.

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• 2010 La Clarine Farm Syrah Sumu Kaw Vineyard 93 Points

  USA, California, Sierra Foothills

  Loved this wine. Very nice rose and white flower component floats above blueberry and green pepper. Very nice, refreshing body, light on its feet with vibrant acidity, with a richness that you register in your short term memory. That sounds ridiculous, but it's true. A great wine.

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• 2010 Kermit Lynch Selections Cuvée Sélectionnée 87 Points

  France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Vaucluse

  Dark plum, cough syrup, "sweet" nose. Good rustic mouthfeel that does not sacrifice acid for richness. Combines dried herbs with pleasant red and black fruit. What a value at $11!

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• 2009 Jelly Roll Syrah 88 Points

  USA, California, Central Coast, Santa Ynez Valley

  This purple wine smells of grape and alcohol at first, but it develops a black fruit profile with air. Cocoa/blackberry palate. I found this wine to be a bit monolithic, but still quite enjoyable.

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