2014 Lost Blues Syrah – “Walking Boss”
The Winery
It was founded in 2012 by Gio Grandinetti in Paso Robles, California. Having had this wine once before in February 2019, I wanted to get some background information on the winery and winemaker. Unfortunately, I found out he is retiring his brand! If you have any of his wine, consider yourself one lucky individual.
The Wine – 2014 Lost Blues “Walking Boss” Syrah
(Photo ©Michael Kelly)
One of the better Syrah wines tasted. At a tasting event, knew it was a good wine so I purchased two bottles back in late 2016/early 2017. Had one bottle in February 2019 and opened the other last night for dinner. On the eyes, a deep dark ruby color and heavy viscosity. On the nose a bit underwhelmed most likely because I just pulled it out of cellar and it was a bit cool or perhaps is was lying in wait to spring forth like a lion. Once in the mouth, all kinds’ of dark fruits appeared with plum and dark cherries leading the parade. Secondary flavors of peppercorn, smoke and herbaceous notes danced in the mouth. The finish was long lasting with a smidgen of sweetness at the very end.
The wine was made with whole cluster fermentation, then aged 22 months in new French oak barrels. This was a great expression of this varietal. Only 92 cases produced and sold for $48/bottle.
The Food and Wine Pairing
(Photo ©Michael Kelly)
Paired last night with a favorite fall comfort food of meat loaf and baked Russet potato with fresh chives, accompanied by a fresh garden salad. The meat loaf was drizzled with Stewart & Jasper Orchards Cherry Pepper Sauce made with chilies and cherries. Added just a few drops of Tabasco Sauce to further spice up the meat loaf. The pairing was exquisite with the cherry flavors in the wine and the cherry in the sauce. The fruit counterbalanced the spice of the Tabasco and chilies in the sauce.
I sent Gio a note and hope to get an update as to his next steps and can only hope he is going to continue to produce wine, be it for himself or someone else.
Sláinte,
Michael
California Wines & Wineries 
November 1, 2022 at 12:53 pm
Wow, I would have loved to try this particular wine only because of your endorsement of it!!
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