Herman Story Lerner Vineyard Syrah 2005

I got this Santa Ynez Syrah on a great bargain from the BCLDB downtown. I am increasingly impressed by Santa Barbara county wines from California, and I enjoy very much their much lower price points compared to the Napa powerhouses. It's amazing how a fantastic vineyard that has been producing fantastic wine for 40+ years in Santa Barbara County is outpriced by a startup in Napa.

Here we have a beautiful nose of scorched earth, herbs and game. This VERY southern-Rhone like nose (i.e. almost grenache like) expanded into a very syrah-like palate: creamy raspberry and blackberry, rich and full and toasty. Even though this has high alcohol (15.9%) the wine carried it very well and was structured, balanced and packed a great flavour punch. I liked this a lot better than most of the high octane Aussie wines at the same price point.
Excellent
$46 ($32 on sale) at BCLDB