Joullian Vineyards

Joullian Vineyards in the Cachagua Valley section of the Carmel Valley AVA specializes in red and white Bordeaux grape varieties, but there’s also a small parcel of Syrah. That block, which is planted with the Estrella River clone, is at the highest point (1,400 feet) in the estate vineyard.

The grapes were harvested relatively late – Oct. 22 – but this isn’t an overripe, pruney style of Syrah. Instead, with this second release of estate Syrah, winemaker Ridge Watson has crafted a wine of elegance and balance. The wine was aged for 13 months in oak barrels, half of them new, half of them a year old. It displays bright blueberry and blackberry flavors, a hint of roasted coffee, an intriguing note of lilac and just a touch of gaminess.

The wine, which sells for $32, has good concentration without being heavy or ponderous. The winery suggests serving this Syrah with all manner of food: grilled halibut, salmon or swordfish to enhance the wine’s blueberry aromas and flavors; lamb, venison and pot roast to soften the wine’s tannins; or prime rib to show its gamy side.

Reviewed March 14, 2007 by Laurie Daniel.