We aren’t 72 hours off the plane and my first thought of this beautiful California coastline is that it is cold! I do realize our new OC temps aren’t nearly as chilly as many parts of the mainland (i.e. country) but coming from Hawaii, Yoda and I are shivering in our slippers (meanwhile, hot-blooded Gary is in heaven.) To counter this, we need a big red wine to warm us from the inside out and this tasty selection from Meyer Family Wines was waiting for me when I arrived.

From fruit grown in an area of Mendocino known as the Yorkville Highlands, nestled between Alexander Valley to the southeast and Anderson Valley to the northwest on a benchland that sits at an elevation ranging from 1000 – 2200 feet above sea level, ideal for growing wines with freshness and complexity thanks also to the gravelly rock-filled, mineral-intense soils. This is an area that grows exceptional Syrah.

Meyer Family Syrah ($28) is a bargain for the quality. Lush and rich, textured and easy, the wine seamlessly layers fruit with spice, minerality with oak, black and blue fruit with red. Blackberry and cherry open in the wine, followed by toasted cedar, brown spices, a touch of pepper and smoke, a great wine to pair with slow-roasted barbecue, or a warm spice braised beef.