2012 Alban Syrah Patrina Estate

Glass-staining ruby. Cherry-cola, blueberry, Indian spices and violet on the highly perfumed nose. Sappy and seamless on the palate, offering juicy black and blue fruit flavors and sexy floral pastille and spicecake flourishes. Shows very good energy on the clinging, spice-driven finish, which shows sneaky tannins.

One of the best entry-level wines out there is John's 2012 Syrah Patrina, and it competes with many top cuvees. All Syrah in 2012 and showing the house style perfectly, it has a saturated inky color to go with a forward, sexy, meaty and full-bodied array of creme de cassis, licorice, chocolate and licorice. Showing how good 2012 was for this estate, it's a rock-star wine to enjoy while you wait for his 2010s and 2011s to come around.