Zaca Mesa Santa Barbara Syrah

Published on September 19th, 2010 in Darryl Beeson's Review, Wine review

zaca-mesa-santa-barbara-syrah Varietal:Syrah
Appellation:California, Santa Barbara
Style:Red
Price:$19
WOW Rating:89

Zaca Mesa shows, once more, how suited the Syrah varietal is to the Santa Barbara appellation. This is a big, full, supple wine with rich, ripe fruit. Yet is balanced by a dash of fresh acidity, assisted no doubt by those cool Pacific breezes. President Richard Nixon showed a preference for sparkling wine from Napa, but if alive today he could have chosen well from his own neighbourhood.

The Syrah first gained fame in the northern Rhône Valley in France, then in Australia as Shiraz, and now it is beginning to exhibit its star quality in isolated plantings in California. It needs sunshine and this example reflects that sunshine in its zippy, lively, fruit-driven style, with a rich plum and spice finish.

Try it with poultry, red meats, game and mature French Camembert cheese.

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