Waxwing, Syrah 2014, Lester Family Vineyard, Santa Cruz Mountains, California

Tasting Note: A syrah from Washington state whose fruit will transport you to France.

Deep-intensity purple in color, this wine has an aromatic, Northern-Rhone-reminiscent nose of raspberry, black currant, black plum, violet bud and vanilla baking spice.

On the palate the dry, medium-plus-bodied wine presents black-fruit flavors suggested on the nose supported by medium acidity, and ripe, slightly-velvety, medium-plus tannin along with some notes of bacon fat.

The wine is balanced and has a pleasant mouthfeel.

Bottle Note: Cedar Waxwings are strikingly handsome North American songbirds. Named for unique red wax-like tips on their wine feathers, they also have a distinctive black mask, silky-sleek gray and beige plumage, a feathery crest and a bright yellow band across their tails. They travel in large gregarious flocks, foraging from coast to coast, and can be seen eating berries in Northern California in winter and spring. At Waxwing Wines, we strive to make wine as beautiful as this native species.