If you think all California syrah is huge and unambiguously fruit-forward, this 2009 Wylie from Edmunds St. John will force you to reassess the variety’s profile in that state. It does offer a juicy, mouth-watering character, and a pleasantly fresh finish. Bright and clear, with a ruby/garnet color, it is much closer to Northern Rhône, in that respect, than to most California. In terms of aromas and flavors, it is lively and pretty exciting, moving from spicy notes (caraway, garrigue, white pepper), to something like a sugar glaze on a cherry danish, another note reminiscent of root beer, as well as a little meatiness, like dry-cured meat or aged beef. A very satisfying and food-friendly wine. You can find out more about the wine and the producer on this post from The Wine Case. Highly recommended
WHO: Edmunds St. John
WHAT: Syrah
WHERE: El Dorado County, California
WHEN: 2009
HOW MUCH: $33
