Another area where California is making great strides and producing excellent value on the global scale. My note on the 2012 “North Coast” by Arnot-Roberts ($35):
Opened about 3 hours before drinking. 13% alcohol. Dark ruby red. Aromas just beginning to express. On the palate, black cherries with subtle hints of smoke, pepper and spice. Rich mouthfeel, deep palate impression, lingering aftertaste. This is great now, but will only improve over the next 3-5 years.
I had a glass of this at a wine bar a few weeks ago and noticed the most intense nose of balsamic soaked black pepper, almost like the liquid left after a caprese salad.
Enjoyed a glass of this last weekend at dinner in the city:
2012 Arnot-Roberts Syrah North Coast- USA, California, North Coast (12/3/2013)
Had a glass of this at Green’s Restaurant in San Francisco, as the suggested pairing for their Butternut Squash and Poblano Gratin with Smoked Cheddar. What can I say about the dish, besides “you had me with Arnot-” I’m not sold on the pairing but this wine was outstanding! Deep dark color, nose of red fruits, violets, tar, and smoke. Mid-weight on the palate with spicy cherry and blueberry, with a bit of Cornas-like funk lingering in the background. Structure is acid-driven and well balanced. Very classy wine. I gave my wife a taste and she said it tasted French, which is a compliment whether or not she meant it to be. I could only offer my condolences after tasting the Rioja she had opted for. I usually don’t touch my A-R Syrahs for a few years, but this was approachable and exciting right out of the gate.