Baker Lane 2014 Syrah   

2014 Baker Lane Syrah “Estate” Sonoma Coast

San Francisco Wine Panel Score 97 Points

This classy Syrah is Rhone-like in both flavor and style, as cellar-time has endowed it with the depth and balance of a fine Cornas. The nose delivers a bouquet of black raspberry, spicy red plum, dark boysenberry, Cherry Bounce brandy, cherry cream-sickle, dark rose, violet, pink and white peppercorn, bresaola and dried herbs. It proves as intense and focused on the palate, where that same piquant fruit and spice mix is firmed by hard-edged minerality. This creates an intense yet silky textural impression that carries through a remarkably long finish. Likely to yet improve, it should be a stunner with grilled or roasted lamb right now.