|
|
Wine Recommendation
Redline Wines
2004 Syrah, Cedar Lane Vineyard(Arroyo Seco)
Paso Robles winemaker Larry Roberts this year launched the Redline brand, which focuses on Syrahs from some of the top sites in California. Roberts – who previously had the Caernarvon Cellars label and has been the consulting winemaker for several other Paso Robles-area wineries – chose “Redline” for his brand because of his background as an auto-racing photojournalist. (The term refers to maximum RPM on a car engine.)
In the 2004 vintage, Redline’s first, Roberts made small quantities of Syrah from three vineyards around the state. In a blind tasting, this bottling from Arroyo Seco in Monterey County was my favorite. It displays the meaty, peppery character of cool-climate Syrah, along with concentrated blackberry fruit and firm tannic structure. It’s exceptionally well balanced. Sadly, there’s not much of it – only 62 cases were produced, with a price tag of $30 a bottle.
But production of Redline is on the rise, and a Pinot Noir was added in 2005; Roberts hopes to top out at 2,000 cases. For now, the best way to buy this Syrah is direct from the winery at www.redlinewine.com.
Reviewed October 19, 2006 by Laurie Daniel.
Other reviewed wines from Redline Wines
The Wine
Winery: Redline Wines |
The Reviewer
Laurie Daniel
Laurie Daniel, wine columnist for the San Jose Mercury News, has been reviewing wine for more than 10 years. She doesn’t use numbers, preferring to describe her recommended wines and let consumers decide for themselves. Laurie believes that bigger isn’t necessarily better; she’s partial to wines of balance, finesse and character. Her particular interests are Pinot Noir (versions that really taste like Pinot, that is) and aromatic whites like Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling and Gewürztraminer. |