2008 Cottonwood Canyon Syroir, Santa Maria Valley
SENSORY ASSESSMENT:
Still. Medium dark ruby-purple color, becoming dark magenta at the rim. Light pepper aromas and notes of briary fruit lead. Hints of smoke follow. Slightly creamy textured in the mouth. Lightly savory with racy acidity with fine, tea-like tannins. Bright red berry/cherry flavors of light to medium intensity make up the palate. Some warmth is present. Longer finish of bramble and heat follows. On day two, light briary aromas persist but the smokiness has blown off. Mouthfeel is as yesterday. The acidity has evened out and the the savory character has gone. Light berry flavors (cherry/blackberry) are still present.
OPINION:
This proprietary blend of estate Syrah and Pinot Noir is very yourthul. It marries the strong points of the estate's Pinot Noir and Syrah, making for something greater than the sum of its parts. This is not a dense, chewy California Hermitaged Pinot Noir but something different entirely. High-toned and elegant and an unexpected pleasant outcome of blending these two varieties. Drink now through the next seven years (if cellared appropriately).
BOTTOM LINE:
Good, with appealing characteristics.
Will appeal to most wine lovers.
ReadinessThis rating indicates whether a wine is ready to drink or requires additional bottle ageing.
Ready to drink.
Young. Age or drink.
Requires more ageing.
General DrinkabilityThis rating indicates how enjoyable the wine is as a stand-alone drink.
Very good by itself.
Acceptable by itself.
Not very enjoyable alone.
Food FriendlinessThis rating indicates how compatible a wine is with foods conventionally paired with it.
Very compatible.
Limited compatibility.
Not very compatible.
Value ("Quality-Price Ratio")This rating indicates the value represented by the wine. Quality relative to price compared to similar wines.
Excellent value.
Moderate value.
Poor value.
