In 2010, the Alder Springs Syrah was not up to our standards as it was cooler year in Mendocino, so this vintage is 98% Syrah from Whitehawk Vineyard in Santa Barbara.  The other 2% is again Viognier from Catie's Corner Vineyard in Sonoma which was co-fermented with 2/3 of the Syrah.  The resulting wine is very different from the 2009 and if tasting blind, I would guess from the Northern Rhone.  14.7% abv.  Purple in color, opaque and bright.  The nose is reticent at first but after 30 minutes or so, opens up and shows black raspberries, black olives, slight grilled meats and slight spice.  Medium to full bodied.  Medium tannins.  Great backbone of acidity.  On the palate, boysenberries with underlying char and nice minerality.  The acidity stands out but not too much.  It is better with food and went very well with Quinoa stuffed Red Peppers.  It seems like it should go another ten years so hopefully, we can taste this again down the road.  

Grade: 
A-
Score: 
92
Vintage: 
2010
Current Price: 
$53.00USD