The 2011 Syrah "Tour les Jours" has been touted by major wine press for many years as being a consistent top value rated wine. From my memory the scores have typically been 89-91 and at a price point of around $16.00 there is a clear reason for the accolades and press he has received.

This 2011 vintage got my attention quick. The first thought I had was "wow, this is the front line?" That is a big deal. The first thought I had was "wow." From my viewpoint not much more matters. If someone told you that there was a $16 "wow wine" would hearing anything else matter as much?

I have had many nice past vintages of the Tour les Jours, but not quite like this one.

 Second thought: "Drinks like twice the price." 

Nose dive: caught dusted baking spice, juicy blackberry, dark cherry, and raspberry fruit.

Taste: did I mention, "wow?" Juicy black-fruit, cinnamon, pepper spice, with great balance and very nice integrated tannin that makes drinking now ready to go. 

I would suggest many food options, including my choice for day one which was, a high society gourmet burger with grilled sweet onions and a thick slice of cheese, and maybe you could even add a slice of bacon with a few sautéed mushrooms. 

Day two I paired with Chinese five spice seasoned pork chops with porcini mushrooms, served over soba noodles. 

Might I suggest some time to breath to allow this beautiful value to really come to life. One of the winemakers descriptors was forrest floor. On the second day, this quality really shinned through. 

Andrew Murray Vineyards tasting room is located in the heart of Los Olivos inside of the Santa Ynez region of Santa Barbara. I highly recommend visiting to take a rare opportunity to try a line up of many very high quality Syrahs and other great Rhones. (Sample submited by AMV)