2011 Straight Line Syrah | Santa Barbara County
When most wine lovers think of Jon Grant, they connect him to the myriad of excellent examples of Pinot Noir under his Couloir label that you read about here and elsewhere. His other project covers a broader, more electic spectrum from Sauvignon Blanc to Syrah using fruit from throughout the state bottled under Straight Line, first reviewed at pdwr in issue three. As the samples arrived after I had laid out the current volume, I included them at the end. The Syrah featured here was the final wine I tasted before publishing and was a pure joy to drink.
94 2011 Straight Line Syrah $V
Santa Barbara County, 14.4%, 201 cs., 97SR|03VG, $29
A nose of pure blueberry, cassis and peppercorn dominates the aromatics with underlying carbon and blackberry. The palate offers persistent purple florals with a dense core of saturated dark fruits and herbs. This wine just keeps drawing you back in. What a delightful way to finish the issue. Drink 2013 – 2018.