2022 J. Lohr Estates South Ridge Syrah
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James Suckling, Jan./Feb. 2024
Presented by Brenden Wood, Red Winemaker
Carefully crafted in a food-friendly, balanced style, J. Lohr Estates wines flavorfully reflect their Monterey and Paso Robles origins.
The 2022 J. Lohr South Ridge Syrah has vibrant purple and magenta hues. Fresh baked cherry pie aromas are accented with lilac, white pepper, and holiday spice. The juicy yet spicy structure of this northern Rhône cultivar is lengthened and lifted by the inclusion of Mourvèdre and Viognier.
— Brenden Wood, red winemaker
Wine Details
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Composition Blend
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94%
Syrah
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4%
Viognier
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2%
Mourvèdre
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Origin
Paso Robles AVA, San Luis Obispo County, CA
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Cellaring
Nuanced with vibrant release. Expect texture to soften over the first 2 years in the bottle, with the capacity to hold another 8 years or more.
8 Years
Rich Paso Robles berry and plum married to Rhone-style spice and structure presents a perfect example of a Paso Robles Syrah wine.
Vineyards
The J. Lohr Estates South Ridge Syrah is grown on a combination of lime-laden and gravelly soils, which rein in Syrah’s rangy growth potential. Vines from our two estate ranches in the cooler Adelaida District infuse the blend with fresh blackberry flavors, aromatic white pepper, and sandalwood notes. Our plantings in the warmer Paso Robles Estrella District tend toward black cherry and black tea leaf flavors. Our high elevation Beck Vineyard in the Creston sub-AVA contributes exceptionally dark color, intense concentration. and blue fruit notes.
Vintage
Overall, rainfall for the 2022 vintage was only 65% of the 25-year historical average in Paso Robles. Weather was quite cool during budbreak in April; plenty of warm, sunny days followed from springtime through completion of veraison in early August. The end of August brought an unprecedented 10-day heat wave, which accelerated Brix accumulation. We began harvesting our first Syrah vines in the Estrella District on August 30th and finished up on September 9th at our Adelaida District ranches. We emulate many Rhône producers by cofermenting a portion of our Syrah with Viognier, which brings delicate flower blossom aromatics. The blend also includes 2% Mourvèdre, which intensifies Syrah’s natural peppery spice profile.
