2010 Paso Robles "James Berry Vineyard" Syrah
100% Syrah
After blending away our ’09 James Berry Syrah, we are very pleased to once again be offering this vineyard designate. While tempting to think of this as a warm-climate Syrah (it is Paso after all!), this vineyard is actually quite cool, thanks to considerable marine influence from the Pacific Ocean. In fact, this was our last fruit of the year, picked on October 29th at a modest 24.8 Brix. Pressed on November 14th to all French oak, 30% new. Bottled unfined and unfiltered.
Tasting Note:
Very dark ruby-garnet. Bordering on opaque. Deep, heady aromas of blackberries and cream are marked by notes of violets and licorice. A gorgeous sniff! Full bodied on the palate, with flavors of blackberry, blueberry, and earth. Tannins and acidity ensure the wine stays light on its feet. While perhaps not as “large-framed” as previous renditions, qualitatively, every bit as delicious. Enjoyable now but best between 2014 and 2024. (MRO – 07/18/12)