Carlisle 2014 Rosella’s Vineyard Syrah (Santa Lucia Highlands)

Country: US / Rosella’s Vineyard
Variety: Syrah California
Winery: Carlisle / Santa Lucia Highlands

Software developer-turned-vintner Mike Officer comes south from his Sonoma base to Monterey make this lavish Syrah that shows layers of blueberry, blackberry and black cassis as well as potpourri and ganache elements. Those same fruits hit the sip too, along with licorice, pretty purple flowers and an ever-increasing asphalt component.