Generous black fruit, baking spices, and black pepper predominate. This Syrah exhibits varietal typicity and boasts a smooth, silky mouthfeel and a long finish.
Del Rio has one of the largest estate vineyards in Southern Oregon, over 300 acres, and as such, they can control growing conditions and winemaking practices. My previous visits there have confirmed this. Winemaker Jean-Michel uses a reductive approach for this wine with the intention of highlighting fruit character and freshness. Very little oak was used, mostly stainless steel for tank aging. The result is a demonstration of what Sarah can be in Southern Oregon. It’s drinking well now and can rest gracefully for five to seven years.
I must admit, we enjoyed the Syrah with an assist from our local Trader Joe’s. The mushroom tartlets were an emergency meal, and no surprise, paired wonderfully with the Syrah. Take it up a notch and grill or saute local mushrooms and prepare a special dish. The Del Rio Syrah will reward you. You can read about winemaker Jean-Michel here.