(USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley)

Delicious, but a little basic. It’s got good fruit, but little soul. It tastes like it could be from anywhere.

On the nose, it was explosive with red and black fruit. Blackberries, raspberries, and cassis with maybe a tiny hint of mushroom, but not much. On the attack, it’s mouthfilling with good fruit, and this great, bright acidity like a light bulb. This wine really makes your mouth water. On the mid-palate, it’s a little weak, and all that fruit just sort of dissipates. It’s just a tad short on the finish, but it leaves you with this odd desire to take another sip – must be the acid. This is really tasty stuff, it’s just not overly complex. It was a surprisingly good match for lighter summer fare, though. This Russian River Valley Syrah, a more basic cuvee, made me very interested in trying Carlisle’s ridiculously highly-rated Papa’s Block. Thanks as always to Tony Brown and Jeff Stettner of @33wine.

89 Points, Buy and try, $37?