2012 Sinor-LaVallee San Luis Obispo County Syrah

15.5% alc., 277 cases, $28. 80% Bassi Vineyard and 17% Laetitia Vineyard and 2% Cannon Vineyard. 65% fermented in 1-ton open top boxes and 35% fermented in a redwood open-top fermenter. Half of lots inoculated with Syrah yeast, the other half native fermented. Total time in fermenter averaged 12 days. Pressed off in an imported Italian basket press. Aged 11 months in 17% new Francois Frères oak barrels. · Deep, dark, inky reddish-purple color in the glass. Very little fruit shows up on the nose which is replete with aromas of smoky, vanillin oak. The plush black fruit load coats the tongue and the vanilla and tobacco oak overlay is more integrated and inviting on the palate. This wine has shoulders, but is still refined. Balanced despite its alcohol load. Decant if you must drink now. Score: 88. Reviewed July 19, 2014

Winery: Sinor-LaVallee
From article: Sips of Recently Tasted California Pinot Noir & Chardonnay & Outliers