2012 Arnot-Roberts Syrah North Coast
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Tasting notes
(made from fruit grown in the La Cruz, Baker Lane, Clary Ranch, Alder Springs and Griffin's Lair vineyards; all whole clusters and neutral oak): Brilliant ruby. Pungent, smoke-accented blackcurrant and cherry on the nose, with a bright mineral quality adding complexity and focus. Firm, vibrant cherry and violet pastille flavors show very good concentration but no excess weight, with juicy acidity adding cut. Aeration brings up deeper blackberry and licorice notes that linger on the persistent, youthfully tannic finish.
Critic scores
Average Score
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2012 Syrah North Coast is dark, juicy and loaded with personality. Black pepper, black cherries, cloves, menthol and new leather jump from the glass. There is plenty of immediacy and pure pleasure to be found in this supple, beautifully layered Syrah. The 2012 can be enjoyed upon release and over the next handful of years. The vineyard sites are La Cruz, Clary Ranch, Alder Springs, Griffin's Lair and Baker Lane, a site in the Sebastopol hills that is part of the blend for the first time in 2012.