Nielson by Byron Syrah Santa Maria Valley

Yes, this was good QPR for me... on the day I opened it. I saved half of the bottle for the following day and the oak became overwhelming and any redeeming notes I enjoyed on day one had all but dissipated. It tasted like a typical $10 bottle on day two. This is not, however, a reason to avoid this bottle - just don't open it unless you plan on finishing it within a few hours.

Deep ruby in the glass, fresh and aromatic, nose of red fruits and baking spice, palate is dry, fruit balanced and integrated, red cherry, red plum, currant, note of cedar, earth, cinnamon, bit of bramble berry, medium acidity, medium + body, long finish. Very nice fantastic QPR.

Great QPR, very smooth with definite cherry flavors. More enjoyable as it opened up.

Medium red ruby in color. Full, forward & attractive nose of ripe red fruit aromas of cherries, strawberries & raspberries with overtones of floral & spices notes, earthy, cola, minerals & a touch of oak/vanilla in the background. Medium bodied with a good concentration of balanced, smooth textured, ripe red fruit flavors of sweet cherries, strawberries & cranberries with some spices, herbs, cherry-cola, minerals & a hint of oak/vanilla. Lingering finish. Drinks quite well at present and has some limited …

Enjoyed this wine during a shrimp boil, light enough to satisfy, but with a strong enough back to keep up with the spice of the boil

First comment in 4 years, so the main difference is diminishing fruit. But the classic Pinot character is still very present and nothing about the wine is “over the hill”. Great deal for $17 at K&L and great second label for Byron.

Most Nielson wines I have reviewed have been Pinot Noirs, so I was a little surprised and intrigued when they sent me a Syrah. Let’s try it! Medium-dark ruby in color, this is unusually aromatic for a Syrah; one can smell it from a foot away without any agitation. The nose is quite earthy, offering ample forest floor and potting soil along with dark fruits, cedar, a spicy pepperiness and a vague floral note in the background. Upon sipping, one …

The Second Annual Blind Tasting of American Pinot Noir : Retail $29. Under screwcap. Cherry cola and sweet on the nose. Others said this was downright stinky. I could not find that initially but did after a repour. The palate, however, was a bit different: Fruity, but there is a bit of astringency on the finish. Not sure what to think. Did not have a second bottle so I tried what we had again yep, same. Good to Very Good. …

Very smooth fruity young