When we visited the Santa Barbara wine region in 2002 we were drawn to the many family-owned wineries that dotted the area. But one of our favorite desinations was, to our surprise, a "corporate" winery owned by sevaral investors—Zaca Mesa. The wine we liked best was The Mesa O&N Syrah 2001, a silky-smooth combination of young and old wines. (In fact, Zaca Mesa was the first to plant Syrah grapes in Santa Barbara County in 1978.)

We knew the wine wsn't ready for prime time, so we cellared it. In June 2006, Colleen—a Vino Duo reader—left a comment wondering when we planned to open the O&N.  Gary replied, "I'm laying it down until early 2007 and counting the days." Well, early 2007 is here!

The day after Lisa's birthday in January Gary decided the O&N was ready. He prepared delicious roasted lamb leg steaks with rosemary-crusted potatoes ( Recommended on the ZM web site but never seen by Gary before he prepared the meal!)  Then we cracked open the wine.  It did not disappoint.  Here's our assessment:

This full, ruby-red beauty proves that California can make a great Syrah.  Stewed cherries on the nose. A hint of blackberry, too. Deep fruit flavors mingled with a hint of smoke and oak (but we didn't pick up the leather others have commented on.) An elegant, beautifully balanced wine: not too heavy or "fruit-bomb-like" but strong enough to stand up to flavorful lamb.

We're glad we opened it in 2007 but suspect it would taste as good if not better in '08 or '09 (the winery says it can cellar for a decade).