Syrah

Chalone Syrah. Hmmm. That’s not what I know Chalone for. Pinot Country I thought. Dark in the glass. Nose is herbal with just the slightest of sharpness. Kombucha smell? Flavors are very tart. Strange for Syrah flavors though. Stems and leaves. Rocks and red bell peppers. Slightest of balsamic. A hint of flint. Lacks the meat and berry-sauce side of some CA Syrah. More pie cherry, rhubarb and apples than blackberry cobbler or huckleberry pie. This is a strange and interesting Syrah. Has elements of ‘natural wine’ and some flavors of French Grenache or under-ripe Italian Barbera. It’s not bad, but it’s not in the ‘zone’ for my CA Syrah either. Maybe it’ll open up with a bit of air. Adds to the styles of Syrah I’ve had here in CA.