CHICAGO TRIBUNE , June 16, 2010
Toast summer by rediscovering a deserving grape by Bill Daley
A Central Coast of California wine, less inky than the others tasted, with notes of cherry, blackberry and nutmeg on the nose. The flavor starts out tight but develops body, filling out with notes of cherry, plum and a bit of vanilla.
BEVX.com, December 2009
4 STARS. Deep, dark ruby color with highlights of purple. The nose is dense and complex with gobs of fresh crushed dark berries with dried fruits as well. Notes of allspice, cinnamon, cardamom, cigar tobacco, earth and oak accent the aromatics. The palate echoes the nose displaying firm but penetrable tannin structure, a nice dose of fresh acidity, and great length. Nicely proportioned with charm, style, and value to spare. A BEST BUY by Sam Dependahl
SFGATE.com, December 2008
South Central Coast Syrah by Lynne Char Bennett
2 STARS. Director of winemaking Austin Hope makes this lighter, juicy wine, which offers hints of black pepper and spice.
HAMILTON SPECTATOR, May 2009
New Zealand Getting Moticed for Its Reds by Dan Kislenko
“A terrific brand also out of Paso Robles (although the label says simply “California” to keep the fruit sourcing flexible). The wine walks a delicate Syrah line – it’s ripe and packed with flavor, but remains fresh and lively, showing black fruit and black cherry flavors, a rim of spice, a padding of sweet vanilla, and rich tannins."
VINTAGES, May 2009
Discover Our Latest by Rod Phillips
4 STAR. This is a well-made and well-priced Syrah with a core of sweet fruit, layered flavors, dry tannins, and refreshing texture. It is a great partner for barbecued red meats.
.
SANTE MAGAZINE, November 2006
Full bodied and earthy with cocoa and tobacco; soft, ripe finish. Venison stew, cassoulet, aged sheep cheese. Excellent by-the-glass choice.
The Washington Post, June 28 2006
With a perfect name for the Independence Day holiday, the Liberty School syrah delivers plush, stylish syrah fruit reminiscent of a pricey French Hermitage, a favorite of Thomas Jefferson while he was U.S. Minister to France.
.
USAToday, June 2, 2006
Sweet blackberry and black cherry flavors mingle with elements of smoke and pepper in this easy to drink red. It's a wonderful companion to charcoal-grilled meats, and as a bonus, the flavors linger awhaile after you swallow.
SAN DIEGO UNION-TRIBUNE, November 20, 2005
On Wine by Robert Whitely
90 points.The grapes for Liberty School Syrah come mostly from the Paso Robles region, including a small percentage of viognier for texture and aromatics.
The concentration of fruit, mouth feel and balance of the Liberty School Syrah are exceptional at this price or any price, for that matter.
THE COLORADO WINE NEWS, October – December 2005
The 2003 Syrah contains 5% viognier and was aged in American and French oak, 20-30% new. It has a bouquet of smoke and unsweetened chocolate introducing moderately bright, big bodied flavors of cherry, raspberry, blueberry, and blackberry laced with light tannin and good acidity and finishing long and broad. A well balanced, structured, and integrated food wine. Very good. BEST BUY.
SANTE MAGAZINE, October 2005
Full bodied with aromas of blueberry, raspberry, and a hint of chocolate and rich red fruit flavors; moderate tannins and a pleasing tart note in the finish. Versatile – from pizza to pork chops.
SAN JOSE MERCURY, August 31, 2005
Laurie Daniel
Throwing a burger on the grill for Labor Day? This robust syrah is a good choice. It has lots of bright cherry and berry fruit and some chunky tannins to stand up to the food .
DRINKS MAGAZINE, Fall 2004
A super value with vibrant blueberry and blackberry fruit and a silky texture. All the fruit's from Paso Robles, “where the Rhone meets Australia ,” says winemaker Austin Hope.
FOOD & WINE,
Wine Guide 10 Top Bottles, May 2004
"This bright, juicy red with its almost candied fruit flavor is a perfect wine for the mildly charred, salty taste of backyard burgers."
THE ATLANTA JOURNAL-CONSTITUTION,
October 23, 2003
"Medium- full, medium dark purple dry red wine. Intense aromas of black currant; flavors of dark fruits, touch of pepper; long finish with good acidity. Ripe, round tannins. Dee-licious. Elegant, well-structured and beautifully integrated. American oak, but only one-third or less new. That's key. Central Coast is great syrah country."
