Synopsis, Our Opinion: A delightful light Syrah.
Producer/Winery: Jim, Isabelle and Knox Clendenen; Clendenen Family Vineyards; Santa Maria, California.
Grape Variety: Syrah blend – 90% Syrah and 10% Viognier.
Geographic Appellation, Region, Country: Santa Barbara County; Central Coast, California.
Vintage: 2015
Price: $28.00 (with a club discount discount)
Purchased From: Au Bon Climat tasting room, Santa Barbara, California.
Paired With: Swedish meatballs and Linguine pasta smothered in a rich and creamy gravy, with petite green peas.
Tasting:
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Opened one hour before drinking. Clear, ruby color with a rim that had a pale purple tint. Light herbal and fresh bread dough aromas mixed with old wet wood, rose floral and Cherry Herring liquor in the background. Powerful, energetic and gritty mouthfeel, a medium to full body and a 60-grit texture. Blackberry, bitter chocolate and sweet tobacco flavors. Medium acidity, soft tannins and a wonderfully bitter fruit finish that carries on through a long-lasting aftertaste. An enchanting soft Syrah blend that had an unforgettable finish and aftertaste. We were surprised that the 10% Viognier lightened the Syrah color and taste so much, yet added a substantial richness to the blend. It made a very nice patio supper wine, but is clearly not the wine to choose if your looking for a traditional Syrah pairing. In the end we called it a delightful light Syrah.
Photo from Au Bon Climat.
See our reviews of other Jim Clendenen and Clendenen Family Vineyards wines.
Alcohol Content: 13.5%
Closure: Aluminum covered 50mm Natural cork.
UPC Code: 8 50755 00056 1
Imported by: Not applicable.