One Lucky Syrah

Wild Diamond Vineyards of Napa, CA produces a beautiful Syrah, a full varietal wine, grown in Lake County vineyards. Wild Diamond gets its name from the pieces of quartz in the soil, which originated from the volcanic activity in the area.

We have Mount Konocti to thank for that volcanic terroir at a high elevation. Most people consider the volcano to be extinct, but the United States Geological Survey does not, and I'm siding with them. 

The 2018 Dumb Luck Syrah is 100% Syrah grapes which were aged in 30% new French oak. The alcohol hits the expected 14.5% abv and the retail sticker is also up there a bit, at $48.

The winery recommends having it with a blue cheese burger or cider-maple pork chops. That sounds like a great idea. I'll start with the blue cheese burger.

This wine is dark in the glass. Its nose gives plenty of dark aromas, like blackberry, black plum and cassis. There is also a slight whiff of anise and a cedar note. The wine has an almost perfumed bouquet. One the palate, dark fruit dominates, but there are savory flavors of white pepper and thyme. The tannins are firm and the acidity makes the mouth water. This is a lovely Syrah that makes me think of holiday meals. 

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