La Sirena 2007 Barrett Vineyard Syrah (Calistoga)

Country: US / Barrett Vineyard
Variety: Syrah California
Winery: La Sirena / Calistoga

This Syrah tries to strike a balance between rich opulence and controlled elegance, and it largely succeeds. It’s has exquisite tannins and fine acidity, finishing bone dry. The flavors are complex, immediately suggesting ripe blackberries, with notes of beef tartare, grilled wild mushrooms splashed with tamari, black pepper and minerals. You can draw analogies to the northern Rhône if you want. Will it age? Hard to say, but it’s a great wine now.