2015 Lindsay Blair, Hillside Syrah, Sonoma Valley.
A joint effort from Jon Phillips of Inspiration Vineyards and head winemaker Dylan Sheldon for Lindsay Blair, the 2015 Hillside Syrah comes mostly from a tiny plot at Gould Vineyard in Sonoma Valley not far from Kenwood, originally for a new wine brand and meant to sell for $38, this beautiful 5 barrel hand-crafted wine offers gorgeous seamless layers and detailed fruit, looks set to become an amazing one off value. The fruit from the Gould Vineyard was picked and fermented separately in an effort to focus on lean and delicate qualities and was blended with a touch of richer and riper Russian River Valley Syrah to fill out the palate on this very elegant and harmonious red, with a final alcohol of 13.5% and soft tannins along with lifting acidity and focus. The 2015 Lindsay Blair Hillside Syrah starts with dark spring flowers/violets and black/blue fruits and light spices leading to a medium/full palate of concord grape, blueberry, boysenberry and black raspberry fruits along with a plummy mouth-feel and lush textures as well as pepper, anise, sticky lavender, kirsch, light smokiness, earthy tones and sage. This is a remarkable wine, succulent and authentic with admirable length and delicacy at a fantastic price, this looks like one of the best buys I’ve seen this year. You’ll be able to get this Syrah direct at www.lbwineco.com soon!
($20 Est.) 92 Points, grapelive
