title: Westerly 2011 Côte Blonde Syrah (Happy Canyon of Santa Barbara)
description: This wine makes reference to certain vineyards in France's cult Côte-Rôtie. The flavors are immaculate, suggesting fully ripened blackberries and currants, grilled wild mushrooms, black pepper and sweet oak. The tannins are thick and tough, but beautiful enough to warrant aging. One troubling aspect is acidity. It's very strong, and may take some time to smoothen out.
variety: Syrah
designation: Côte Blonde