J. Lohr South Ridge Syrah 2012

Mymi Thesingingsommelier rated this wine as 84/100 with the following review:

Jerry Lohr and a handful of other pioneers were the first to realize the vast, untapped potential of the California Central Coast. Four decades ago, the area had yet to emerge as one of North America’s world-class winegrowing regions. With little history or viticultural precedent, planting on the Central Coast was a gamble.
In the late 1960s, Jerry began an extensive investigation of California grape growing regions while searching for the ideal location for a vineyard. Raised on a South Dakota farm, his agricultural roots armed him with an innate sense for the intricacies of climate, soil quality and location. His research and instincts led him to the Central Coast, a unique location with one of the longest growing seasons in all of California. And it is there that he established J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines.
Since 1972, Jerry Lohr has pioneered premium winegrowing on California’s Central Coast. In doing so, he has made J. Lohr one of America’s most renowned wineries, and helped to establish Monterey County and Paso Robles as two of the world’s great winegrowing regions. Their philosophy is simple; a commitment to sustainability that begins in the vineyards, where the vibrant health of their vines shape the flavors in their wines. Respect Nature and Nurture Balance.
This 2012 South Ridge Syrah embodies their motto.
The name South Ridge is derived from the orientation of its namesake vineyard, which sits on a south-facing hillside, resulting in fruit with intense flavors.
In the glass, it is a dark midnight ruby red color, almost opaque in the center with thick slow moving legs.
On the nose, it is intense with ripe blueberry, cherry, Mexican vanilla and freshly picked tart blackcurrants at first but quickly evolves into more leathery, spicy and smoky aromas as it breathes. There is a slight ocean air and dill pickle scent as well.
On the palate, it is round, full and explosive with dark chocolate, black cherry jam, vanilla, a little cedar and toasted oak flavors. Chewy tannins, mouth-watering acidity, fruity smoky finish with the tinniest hint of residual sugar.
Perfect to accompany blue cheese! Or serve with hoisin sauce BBQ’ed chicken or turkey thighs or even a Peking duck feast!

Jane Staples rated this wine as 90/100 with the following review:

A dark garnet red colour, with a rich nose of ripe blackberry and strawberry. The palate gives ripe strawberry jam and vanilla. Smooth tannins and a strawberry jam finish.