2017 San Saba Vineyard Syrah - Kori Wines

Blackberry preserve, damp tobacco, melted licorice. Strawberry pie, violet concentrate, pulverized cherry. Mixed peppercorn and fresh rosemary, hot tar and bacon gristle. Rich and succulent fruit immediately dominates the initial attack, clearly not the least bit shy to project baked raspberry, ripe blueberry, and fig with near-decadent concentration. Thick floral perfume soon surfaces spilling liquefied rose to further augment the luscious foundation. Savory redemption is not far away as olive tapenade, basil, and herbal garrigue gradually emerge to offset ripe primary character. Pepper, meat smoke, and turned earth are present but outmatched by French vanilla, clove, and crème brûlée. Fleshy and full bodied, backed up by medium tannin and nicely elevated acidity. This 2017 San Saba Vineyard Syrah by Kori Wines is a delightfully forward, lush, and modern red from Monterey County.

While primarily known for producing powerful and perfumed Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, California's Monterey County is home to thoroughly intriguing Syrah. This bottling, crafted by Kori Wines using Syrah from the San Saba Vineyard located just west of the Santa Lucia Highlands, is a wonderful example of what is possible in this region's unique cool marine-influenced climate that is flooded with consistent California sunshine. Although appearing quite fruity and ripe upon first examination this wine reveals layers of savory depth with time in the glass, and its balancing acidity keeps things remarkably fresh on the palate. Stylistically this certainly leans towards a modern Californian style yet still flickers with earthy herbal nuance reminiscent of the Rhone. A fun and interesting wine that walks the line between cool and warm climate Syrah characteristics.