It’s a beautiful Spring evening and we’ve decided to open a Syrah from Zaca Mesa, which is located in the Santa Ynez Valley in California. This valley holds a lot of great memories for us.

This valley was our first introduction to wine country. It’s only an hour and a half from Los Angeles so it’s an easy weekend trip. The surroundings are also perfect for biking, our other passion.

This particular bottle was a birthday gift from one of Steve’s coworkers. Of course they know we’re all about the wine.

Steve Says:

It has a beautiful deep, inky red color. I catch black cherry on the nose. It has a surprisingly fruity nose for a Syrah, exhibiting between medium and full body. It’s definitely well made with a smooth short finish showing just a hint of tannin. But I find it leaves me wanting more complexity/depth/body. Nothing about it makes me say “WOW”. I’d love to compare it to a favorite Syrah made by Cass in Paso Robles, whose vines are just 50 or so miles north.

3.5 stars out of five.

Jane Says:

When we opened the bottle, I took a deep sniff and right away said, Nice! It made me think bold and smoky. I was going to make a light meal of lime butter chicken but I was in the mood for a bold wine. It’s been a long week. This wine did not disappoint. It has hints of bacon smokiness. It’s full-bodied and earthy. I really enjoyed it but I didn’t love it. There is a fine line between enjoyment and love. This wine held that dichotomy for me. I would drink it again but I don’t think I would buy it myself.

3 out of 5 stars.

Just the Facts Ma’am

2008 Estate Grown and Bottled Zaca Mesa Winery, Los Olivos

100% Syrah

16 Months in French Oak

14.5% alcohol

$25.00/750ml bottle

Available at Zaca Mesa Web site.