2006 Synergy Classic Red - Cottonwood Canyon Vineyard & Winery

Dried blackberry, tobacco smoke, cherry liqueur. Fig preserve, wilting violet, dark plum skin. Wild bramble and chaparral, crushed cardamom and red pepper flake. Black licorice and root beer float contrast interestingly with currant and cranberry compote. Rich purple floral notes bursting with iris and dried lavender muddle with vanilla, cardamom, and rosemary. Zippy and lean, with a bit of limestone zinging behind mocha and chocolate powder. This 2006 Synergy Classic Red by Cottonwood Canyon Winery is a high energy acid-driven blend from Paso Robles.

Cottonwood Canyon Winery prides themselves on making "distinctively different age worthy wines" and it is hard to argue with that analysis. While based out of the Santa Maria Valley of Santa Barbara County Cottonwood occasionally brings in fruit from elsewhere. This bottling, crafted using a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot, and Syrah sourced from Paso Robles, is a truly a unique wine. At 13 years old it is remarkably fresh with pronounced acidity and some mild integrated tannin. It possesses all of the typical Paso red blend ripe fruit in a surprisingly lightweight and focused profile complimented by noticeable earthy and herbaceous notes. This stuff sits at a mere 13.7% ABV, almost an impossibly low figure for a Paso Red, and still pulses with acidity at 13 years of age. We were delightfully surprised at young and fun this bottle still is.