Bricking pretty hard and considerable sediment. Nose headed south, heavy heavy burnt aromas and wet leaf funk. These are definitely not holding up as well as I had hoped and I’m guessing from this outcome–and based on their location–they were picked probably a little higher pH than would condone serious aging.

This is not the wine I fell in love with at Cardella.  This was my WINERY OF THE YEAR 2016 based on approach, value, quality, dedication to varietal-range and last-but-not-least: their AMAZING grounds and wonderful staff and family.  I will not rescind on that decision the slightest just because of this wine.  I always thought the Syrah was the weak-spot on the line-up–even though they were pushed hard by a local shop–and bought a few for research.  The wines I absolutely fell in love with were the Barbera, the Sangiovese, the Ruby Cabernet, the Muscat and the Boccalle Italian blend.  The Syrah always felt a little vapid to me and the Reserve even more so.

Not unpleasant to drink by any stretch of the imagination but dull and lifeless fruit reduced to a cherry concoction headed quickly into cough syrup with tannins completely non-existent.

Do you like my new Christmas scarf? I got it at thrift store today for $3.

2011 CARDELLA WINERY Syrah San Juaquin Valley Central Valley California 14.3

cardellawinery.com