2012 A.P. Vin Trick Law Vineyard Syrah (Screwcap)

A.P. Vin was started in 2003 by Andrew P. Vingiello. Although he worked in the financial world, Vingiello was drawn to Pinot Noir, and he started working for a Pinot Noir producer in his off hours. Vingiello started producing his own small batches of wine in 2003, and in 2005 quit his job as a stock trader to devote himself full time to winemaking. Today A.P. Vin produces about 2,000 cases of wine a year sourced from designated vineyards. Vinous has given the wines ratings in the 90s and has written that the estate’s “wines are delicious and show considerable potential.”

Paso Robles AVA is midway between San Francisco and Los Angeles, and it is considered one of the West Coast’s most exciting winemaking regions. With its hot, sometimes searingly dry and sunny weather, it is especially good country for growing warm climate grapes such as Syrah, Grenache and Mourvedre. Because many Paso Robles wineries have been successful with blending these grapes into Rhone Valley-style wines, it is known as the Rhone zone of California. The AVA was created in 1983 and there are 32,000 vineyard acres. In late 2014 the AVA was divided into 11 smaller sub-appellations, so starting with 2015 vintages labeling will become more specific on Paso Robles wines, which will now also list sub-appellations. Located in San Luis Obispo County, Paso Robles, the town and its surrounding area, was traditionally a farming and ranching region. But from a few dozen wineries in the early 1990s to more than 200 today, the area is quickly becoming known for wine and risk-taking winemakers.

This grape is grown in milder climates and produces a medium-to full-bodied wine. It is also known as Shiraz, but should not be confused with Petit Sirah, which was developed by crossing Syrah with Peloursin.