2018 County Line Syrah, Sonoma Coast, California (750ml)   

County Line comes from the team behind the multiple 95-point Syrahs of Radio-Coteau. Led by rockstar winemaker Eric Sussman, they bring every ounce of their blue-chip talent to bear on this silky smooth, wildly complex wine from the foggy coastal hillsides of western Sonoma County.   

The 2018 County Line Sonoma Coast Syrah highlights the casual sophistication of cooler-climate Syrah. Vibrant young blueberry and fresh black plum are first identified, intertwined with a dab of fig compote. Savory rosemary and thyme weave throughout, along with a touch of sal secco black olives, adding a hint of salinity. Mushroom notes further this umami character, while newly-turned earth adds complexity to the bramble fruit that carries this wine from start to finish. Braised short ribs or a hearty ratatouille would be a fitting accompaniment to this lively, approachable Syrah.