It has been a little while since I last posted something here so for my regular readers out there I do apologise. Moving to the other side of the world does tend to eat up a lot of spare time but now that I am setup and settled in Los Angeles I wanted to share this great Californian wine with you all.
The Piedrasassi 2012 Syrah was actually introduced to me by Sommelier, Tom Donegan, formerly from Stokehouse Melbourne and now living in Los Angeles. The first thing that stood out to me when I saw the wine on the shelf was the unique bottle shape. I refereed to it as a squashed Napa Cabernet bottle but a friend suggested it is actually closer to what some port wines are bottled in. I can't say I've seen any wine in Australia in such a bottle and it's much shorter than a traditional 750Ml bottle and widens out quite a bit just before the neck.
Once poured out of its funky bottle this wine is all class. Deep ruby red in colour and aromas of ripe red berry fruits with wood and oak notes amongst other things. It drinks really well although I wouldn't say this is a overly subtle wine in any way. I experienced some alcohol warmth at the back of my throat, not in an unpleasant way but I did notice it and the wine comes in at 14.1%. Along with the fruit there is some pepper and spice on the palate and I did experience a really enjoyable after taste that lingered for quite some time. Overall it was a really great wine and is made in very limited amounts so you have to keep an eye out for it and seize the opportunity to buy it while stocks last.
Piedrasassi 2012 Syrah
Region - California Central Coast
Price - $20 (plus tax) from Elvino Wine Store, Venice, CA
Final Sip - This is probably the best Syrah I have had out of the United States and given it is just $20 plus tax it is something all Syrah/Shiraz lovers should try!
