This 100% Syrah is made from Santa Ynez Valley grapes, estate grown in Zaca Mesa Vineyard's Mesa Block, planted in 2004. Two different clones of Syrah were used - 174 and 383, if you are an inveterate grape nerd. I would love to be knowledgeable enough to be able to say with a straight face, "I'd like a little more of the 174 and a little less of the 383," but I usually feel fortunate to be able say with conviction that it's either a red or white wine.
I can say that I would like a little more terroir and a little less oak, though. This baby spent 17 months in French oak, 62% of which was new. The other ZM 2010 Syrah spent almost as much time -16 months - in French oak, but the new oak was limited to 19% in that one. It goes to show that a little matters a lot.
2010 being a cool vintage in the SYV, there is a good bit of spice and acidity. Despite that, the wine is fruity enough to masquerade as a warm-climate Syrah. It hits only 13.7% abv on the alcohol meter, 878 cases were produced and it retails for $48 per bottle.
The dark wine has aroma to burn. Blackberry fruit plays large, while a hefty whiff of alcohol gets out right behind it. Fans of the funk will love a tar note that grows each night the bottle is open. As for flavors, what you smell is what you get. Big, blackberry fruit dominates the palate, but a savory sensation does creep in a bit over time. Every one of those 17 months in oak is present here, so be prepared for plenty of wood. The tannins provide plenty to chew on, while the acidity is juicy. Grab a steak and throw it near fire for a few minutes. You are now prepared to pair.
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