Dutton-Goldfield Syrah Cherry Ridge 2014

Purple and luscious when first poured, with a vanillin scent of oak, this shows its cooler aspects with air. It comes from a south-facing site on the southwestern end of the Russian River Valley, just north of the Petaluma Gap, and feels both sunny and breezy, a delicious floral tone lifting its plump fruit. It’s a spicy, satisfying syrah for a pork chop.

This wine is nicely-packed and long in the finish. Its jazzy aromas and flavors of bold, black fruit, oak accents, and mixed berries should pair it famously well with braised lamb.