Dobbes Family Estate 2012 Fortmiller Vineyard Syrah, Oregon, $50

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A couple of decades ago, when he was the head winemaker at Willamette Valley Vineyards, Joe Dobbes’ talent with Southern Oregon fruit led to the quick embrace of the Griffin Creek brand among Willamette Valley wine lovers. He hasn’t lost his touch with Syrah, thanks to his collaboration with growers Don and Traute Moore, whose family farms Fortmiller Vineyard – a 30-acre site in the Rogue Valley. This wine took a gold medal at the 2016 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition, and it’s easy to know why. It brings a steady stream of Marionberry jam, blueberry and black currant spearmint and a whiff of wild game.

Rating: Outstanding!

Production: 303 cases

Alcohol: 14.4%

Winery website

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