Box Car Syrah Sonoma Coast 2007

This Box Car Syrah is a very nice expression of what Syrah can do in the right parts of California. At a price point just under $20 it's also a pretty good deal.

Deep purple in color, this Syrah has a great, rich mouthfeel with decent acidity and surprisingly smooth tannins for such a young wine. A bouquet of blackfruit and white pepper has undertones of herb scented lamb. On the palate you get the same fruit and pepper with a nice spice to the finish.

Overall this is a very enjoyable California Syrah and a great example of what Syrah done right can be in the proper regions of California. In fact I think the 2007 Box Car Syrah is quite a bit better than the 2007 Red Car Syrah from the same winery. The fact that its half the price makes this one a no-brainer.

I enjoyed this bottle with a wasabi encrusted seared tuna. Since the tuna was rare it worked very well together, but it could cerainly overpower a tuna steak grilled more well done. It would also be a great pairing with lamb or game.