In January, our COVID Wine Pod partners invited us over to celebrate their daughter receiving a final job offer in Washington DC. After appropriately celebrating with Champagne, a mystery wine appeared.
One of our favorite games to play in the pandemic has been Guess the Mystery Wine. This wine had already been decanted, no label in sight. We guessed New World. It was very familiar on the nose, but we couldn’t place it. It didn’t taste like a Cabernet Sauvignon – more like a Zinfandel, Syrah, or Petite Sirah. My guess was Petite Sirah. Our host’s better half guessed Syrah – bingo, she was right! A Law Estate Syrah from Paso Robles!
I have presented Law Estate Wines here twice last April. https://decantingmonterey.com/law-estate-rose-the-perfect-wine-for-an-unexpectedly-hot-coastal-afternoon/ and https://decantingmonterey.com/law-aspire-an-entrancing-red-blend-from-americas-rhone/.
About Law Vineyards : “We are committed to making exceptional wines through sustainable and organic farming practices with minimal inputs. Located above Peachy Canyon Road on the west side of Paso Robles, the vineyard is one of the highest in the area at 1,600 to 1,900 feet. It is planted in high density, small-lot blocks. The extreme slopes, limestone soils, and multiple aspects create the distinct canvas and palette from which we work.”
2017 Law Intrepid Syrah, Adelaida District, Paso Robles, 16% ABV, $99 (#611*)
About the 2017 Intrepid from the winery: “The Intrepid’s dense purple juice presents an alluring nose of brown sugar, fleshy, dark fruits, black pepper, violets and baked blueberry pie. It maintains a sense of finesse, through the balance of course tannins, juicy acidity and mid palate weight. Despite all the decadence it offers, it never seems over the top; a humble extrovert if you will. It stays flawlessly balanced, has a lively, ample texture, and delivers a moreish finish. Not just for the Northern Rhône crowd, it’s a brilliant representation of this terroir that will keep for years.” Jeb Dunnuck rated this wine 98 points!
93 Points – Wine Enthusiast: “Those seeking wines of tremendous power and unctuous oak will enjoy this booming bottling, which was aged in 71% new barrels and begins with aromas of milk chocolate, cassis, maple butter and purple flowers. It’s thick and lush on the palate, where caramelized black-fruit, creamy cappuccino and bold baking-spice flavors go big.” Matt Kettmann, 5/2021
My Review: Very dark and dense ruby in the glass. Black fruit, cardamom and vanilla on the nose. Intense dark fruit and cassis on the finish, with a touch of menthol and a lot of vanilla on the end, representing its high alcohol content. Still a bit more like a Petite Sirah to me! We enjoyed this wine. January 2022
You can purchase Law wines from the winery on line or at their tasting room. Check it out here. Tastings are daily except Wednesdays from 10-4, by reservation only.
*Refers to wines tasted while Sheltering in Place on Sharon’s personal Facebook group “Sharon’s Central Coast (Monterey) Wine Blog” – including non-Central Coast wines.
© Decanting Monterey 2023
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