J. Lohr Syrah (South Ridge) Paso Robles 2011 wine review by (PB)

Deep dark black cherry hue with a bouquet of black raspberry and lush berry spice with tar and hints of baker's chocolate.

Palate--A Full bodied, big, bold, fruit bomb with ripe plum and blackberry that is surprisingly integrated (for such a young wine) with supple mature tannins and nice bitter dark chocolate, a touch of oak and a fruit finish that hangs on for sometime with a little twinge of blueberry near the very end.

Syrah IS always, or at least should be, a gigantic fruit-filled block buster and this value wine from J. Lohr ($12)is a solid example of the grape. If you're in the mood for a palate assault, Syrah is a fairly reliable wine. If you're pairing it with food, make sure you're going to put something robust and bold to stand up to it. And then Raise a glass!