Benzinger
Family 1997 Syrah / Glen Ellen
100% Syrah has complex aromas of black fruit, smoky tar
and dried herb. Soft palate of black cherry and herb.
Rich ripe fruit finishes long. Hold or drink now. Retail:
21.00 (Address: 1883 London Ranch Rd., Glen Ellen, CA,
707-935-3000) |
Bianchi
Winery 2005 Petite Sirah / Paso Robles
Deep,intensely ripe, lush, dark fruit flavors make this
petite sirah a vintage to treasure. Wonderful fruit forward
nose with a structured palate are supported by firm tannins
and notes of truffle, cigar, truffles, cola and leather.
Big flavor goes with big steak, full flavored cheeses,
dry aged all natural roasts, stews and even a Beef Wellington.
Unbelievably Smooth. |
Bianchi
Winery 2005 Syrah / Paso Robles
A heady aroma of packed berries is your first introduction
to this signature wine. Luscious blackberries, plums,
ripened cherries and raspberries unfold into a pocket
of earthy mushroom, cigar, and crisp fall leaves.Well
balanced acidities and mild tannins make this easy to
drink, as your last sip leaves an ever so slight memory
of clove, toasty oak and vanilla. A hearty, full flavored
wines that goes best with hearty stews seasoned with basil,
bay, sage and thyme. A must have for the cellar. |
Burrell
School Vineyards 2005 Estate Pichon Syrah / Santa Cruz
Mountains
Located
at 1,200 to 1,800 feet in the Santa Cruz Mountains, the
Pichon Vineyard has a history that dates back to the 1800ís.
This current offering of Syrah presents with an attractive,
soft garnet hue. Done in an elegant French style, the
bouquet opens up with ripe red berries. Notes of hickory
bacon, leather, white pepper, and licorice follow. Pair
it with pan-fried chicken breast in a red-wine and applewood-bacon
sauce and enjoy with some good friends.
Score:
89 |
Burrell
School Vineyards 2005 “Schoolyard" Petite Sirah
/ Santa Cruz Mountains
This
is the first time Burrell School has released a Petite
Sirah, so only 61 cases were produced. Aged in American
oak, the wine presents with an elegant, deep purple color.
The nose is full of dark berries, vanilla, and bacon.
A sip, and the dark berries return alongside black plums,
with complicating gamier notes and a touch of white pepper.
Try it with a Venison Loin with tangerine, black pepper
and cranberry compote.
Score:
n/a |
Columbia
Winery 1997 Syrah Yakima Valley
Washington - (Address: 14030 N.E.145th Street, Woodinville,
WA 98072, 425-488-277) Bright purple color with moderately
light body with moderate legs...Blackberry fruit, licorice
nose with a vibrant flavor hinting of black pepper. Quite
a lively and snappy flavor with nice fresh acidity. A
youthful style to pair with outdoor or casual dining.
Retail: 14.00 |
Columbia
Winery 1997 Syrah
Red Willow Vineyard (Address: 14030 N.E.145th Street,
Woodinville, WA 98072, 425-488-2776) Deep red with a
purple colored rim. Fresh raspberry fruit nose with
smoky toast undertones. Intense fruit flavor backed
by velvet textured tannins. Fine intensity in the grapes.
|
Columbia
Winery 1997 Syrah
Yakima Valley, WA, (Address: 14030 N.E. 145th St., Woodinville,
WA 98072, 425-488-2776) This wine has a bright purple
color, blackberry fruit, licorice nose with a vibrant
flavor hinting of black pepper. It builds in the mouth
to a lively and snappy flavor with nice fresh acidity.
A youthful style to pair with outdoor or casual dining.
Retail Price: $30.00. Drink it now or hold. |
Concannon
Vineyard 2005 Petite Sirah / Central Coast
Concannon
Vineyards pioneered producing the varietal back in the
early 1960's. Today, winemaker Adam Richardson carries
on the tradition, making the grape a cornerstone of the
winery. This limited release vintage offers rich
and complex flavors. A nose of bright red fruit,
oak, must, and spice unfolds into a palate bursting with
black cherry, vanilla, pepper, and earthier tones, held
up by a full-body and firm structure. At its finish,
the wine leaves dry and smooth, with lingering hints of
cherry to tide you over untill your second glass.
Serve this wine to dinner guests alongside hearty meats,
or pair it with your favorite dark chocolate dessert as
a special indulgence. |
Delicato
Vineyards 1997 Syrah
California (Address: 12001 South Highway 99, Manteca,
CA 95336, 209-824-3500 www.delicato.com) Medium deep
purple red hue. Sweet plumy aromas. Rich on the attack
getting richer when swirled in the glass. Leads with
a medium bodied palate with tight fruit flavors but
not much character or persistence. Carbonic aromas and
easy drinking style. Drink it now.
|
Delicato
Vineyards 1998 Syrah
California.( Address: 12001 South Highway 99, Manteca,
CA 95336, 209-824-3500, www.delicato.com) Medium deep
purple red hue with sweet cherries, cedar and spice. Rich
on the attack and builds even richer when swirled. Medium
bodied palate with tight yet subtle fruit flavors for
an easy drinking style. Blend of 86% Syrah, 10% Petite
Syrah, 4% Cabernet Sauvignon. Drink now. Retail: 5.99 |
Delicato
Family Vineyards-1998 Syrah
California - (Address: 12001 South Hiwy. 99, Manteca,
CA 95336, 209-824-3500) Varietal blend of 86% Syrah 10%
Petite Syrah 4% Cabernet Sauvignon. Features bright flavors
of cherry fruit black currant and spice with vanilla oak
nuances. Serve with slightly spicy foods or barbecues
should go well with casual outdoor dining. Retail: 5.99
|
Eberle
Winery 2007 Syrah Rosè / Paso Robles
Dense fruit flavor greets the nose with bright strawberry,
green apple and raspberry flavors. A full flavored,
dry rose with bright acidities and a neutral oak finish.
This is a light wine that drinks like a red, and should
be paired with gently spiced dishes to bring out the
unique characteristics of the wine. We paired with barbecued
turkey, and a savory corn, heirloom tomato, fresh pea
and basil salsa. Mmmmm. Only 628 cases produced.
|
Eberle
Winery 2005 Syrah, Steinbeck Vineyard / Paso Robles
The traditional flavors of the syrah grape are captured
here, with the deep, elegant dark fruit hue that only
ripe black berries, cherries and even blue berries create.
Itís depth and complex bold structure greets the
palate with a beautiful crisp nose of rich fruity berry,
ripe plums and freshly cracked pepper. Smooth on the palate
with fruity hints and a subtle tart finish and tight,
subtle tannins. Grown and harvested from the Steinbeck
vineyard lot, this wine is the careful creation of a beautiful
wine aged in both American and French oak barrels. A rhone
style syrah with the structure to age well in the cellar.
Buy one for now, one for the cellar, this is a wonderful
wine.Bring it out with that wonderful holiday fare that
fills the table and is part of the memory. Fifteen hundred
cases made. GREAT WINE |
Fleming
Jenkins 2006 Madden Ranch Syrah / Livermore Valley
Sourced
from grapes grown on John Maddenís vineyard, the
fruit was cold soaked for 3 days prior to being aged for
14 months in French Oak. From its deep violet hue, notes
of blackberry, cherry, and brown sugar dominate the nose,
with gamier accents floating beneath. A vibrant, rich
wine with supple tannins, the palate is nicely layered
with dark berries, coffee, and white pepper, that finish
on bold notes of smoky earth. This is a wine that can
stand up to zesty, full-flavored dishes.
Score: 85 |
Fleming
Jenkins 2006 Black Ridge Vineyard Syrah / Santa Cruz Mountains
Allowed
to hang for longer than the Madden Ranch Syrah, fruit
from the Black Ridge Vineyard was aged for 14 months in
French oak before bottling. In a freshly swirled glass,
ripe aromas of dark fruit mingle with accents of spice,
smoke, and subtle floral notes. When sipped slowly, a
richly layered palate unfolds with flavors of black cherry,
blackberry, plum, cinnamon, vanilla, and spice drifting
across the palate. A long, lingering finish and ample
tannins make this a great wine to serve with hearty red
meat recipes.
Score:
87
|
Foppiano
Vineyards - Petit Syrah 1997
/
Sonoma County
It is not difficult to appreciate a wine whose stellar
reputation proceeds it. Deep rich purple colors with full
and deep flavors. From nose to finish this Petit Syrah
delivers. Ripe berries, chocolate and spice in the nose.
Berry fruit accents layered with vanilla and a hint of
black pepper. Retail: 17.00 (Address: 12707 Old Redwood
Hiwy. P.O. Box 606, Healdsburg, CA 95448, 707-433-7272)
|
Four
Sisters Ranch 2005 Syrah / Paso Robles
Hold this glass up to the sunlight and revel in the
beautiful gem like hues. A light, highly drinkable wine
with great legs make this Syrah a great compliment to
warm summer evenings with friends. Its wall of floral
nose with a hint of leather offers a dry, subtle fruit
palate that builds to a lingering, balanced finish with
a hint of spice. Grill up some salmon and enjoy, but
this drinkable wine will go great with anything youíve
got going.
|
Geyser
Peak Winery 1997 Shiraz
Sonoma County (Address: 22281 Chianti Rd. Geyserville,
CA 95441, 800-945-4447, www.peakwinesinternational.com)
Blend of 90% Shiraz, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon cloaked in
a rich ruby red color. Fruity nose with plum, black cherry,
dove and vanillin oak nuances. Soft on the palate with
a silky medium-body. Plum flavors glide over fine-grained
tannins. Enjoyable style. |
Halter
Ranch 2005 Syrah / Paso Robles
Close your eyes and picture the steep cliffs of the Northern
Rhone, and then swirl your first glass of Halter Ranchís
Syrah, blended ever-so-lightly with the Mourvedre and
Malbec grapes. Your first sip shall transport you to an
out-of-California experience, yet everything is grown
right here in the Paso Robles region, by winemakers specializing
in the Rhone Valley experience. Smokey plums and cassis
aromas are accented with rich mocha and hints of licorice.
A lush mouth feel is enhanced by just enough acidity to
bring out brightness and zest. A very hearty red with
lots of tannins, pair with your boldest barbeque and grilled
fare. Guaranteed to age well over time. |
Hunt
Cellars 2006 Syrah Rosé "Afternoon Delight"
/ Paso Robles
The bold ruby hue of this wine is quite striking in
a glass. Swirl and take in the dazzling, springtime
nose of cherry, cranberry, strawberry, and a lovely
touch of rose petal. A bright, crisp wine, with a refreshing
acidity on the palate, the red berry notes return alongside
sweet hints of toffee and apple. Grab a bottle and enjoy
it on a lazy Sunday with a Naga truffle from Vosges
chocolate, a delicate balance of sweet Indian curry,
coconut and velvety milk chocolate.
Score:
90
|
Hunt
Cellars 2003 Syrah Serenade / Paso Robles - Raging Bull
Vineyards
Inhale this aromatic bouquet of intense dark fruit.
Let the first sip begin and sing your first ìahhhhî.
Lush, ripe plums, berries and cherries with hints of
floral give way to earthy notes of truffle, cigar box,
crispy leaves that have fallen to the ground and are
once again part of the terroire. Smooth on the palate
with a long, lingering finish, this is a medium body
wine with mild tannins, a serenade to the land and all
that it produces. Get the whole table ready with full
flavored cheeses, great artisan breads, smoked fish,
and lead into a great roast seasoned with garlic and
rosemary. Bring friends. |
Justin
Syrah 2006 / Paso Robles
Slow down, and appreciate the details of this hand harvested
wine. The rich, dark purple color gives off a light maroon
edge when held up to the sunlight. The fruit forward nose
invites that first sip with aromas of currants, cassis,
spices, and blackberries. The mid palate is firm, and
takes you on a journey of toasted oak, vanilla, all encased
with light , supple tannins for a soft, smooth mouth feel.
The lingering finish definitely leads to another sipÖ.
And another, and another. A great pre dinner drink, or
pair with roasted game and strong cheeses. Aged 18 months
in oak barrels, this wine can be consumed young, but will
age well. |
Kendall-Jackson
Syrah 1997 Vintners Reserve
Dark royal-crimson color 100% Syrah, oak aged 14 months,
fruitful aromas and flavors of red and black fruits, spice
and toast with the hint of oak. Very enjoyable and drinkable
now. Will pair very well with meats and cheeses. (Address:
421 Aviation Blvd., Santa Rosa, CA, 707-544-4000) |
Morgan
1997 Syrah / Monterey
This rich medium-full bodied wine shows a deep ruby
color in the glass and the nose is full of well-developed
aromas of blackberry, plum with pepper overtones. The
flavors deepen onto the palate and are complemented
with hints of cloves and spice. Soft tannins and a long
finish, we feel this wine will improve with 6-12 months
of bottles age. It is a perfect choice for casual dining.
Retail. 20.00 (Address: 590 Brunken, Salinas, CA 93901,
831-751-7777).
|
Paraiso
Springs Vineyards 1997 Syrah
/
Santa Lucia Highlands
The Paraiso Springs Vineyards Syrah exhibits the saturated
red-violet hue. The nose sports aromas of ripe raspberry
and black cherry that are accented by spice. The rich
fruit flavors and velvety mouthfeel carry through to the
finish added by a hint of blackberry. This is very drinkable
wine that added time in the bottle will add to the balance
Retail: 22.00 (Address:38060 Paraiso Springs Rd, Soledad,
CA 93960, 831-678-0300) |
Paraiso
Vineyards 2005 Syrah / Santa Lucia Highlands
Winemaker
David Fleming selected fruit from Blocks Fifteen and Seventeen
of the vineyard's "Wedding Hill" section. Bottle-aged
for a year prior to release, the wine's nose is dominated
by perfumed blackberry and cherry, with pockets of vanilla
and pepper accenting the bouquet. Solid tannins unfurl
a palate of rich dark fruit that finishes dynamically
upon notes of oak and earth. This potent wine ought to
accompany a hearty, well-seasoned roast. |
Perry
Creek Syrah 1997
El Dorado (Sierra Foothills) (Address: 7400 Perry Creek
Rd., Somerset, CA 95684, 530-620-5175, www.perrycreek.com)
The aromatic fragrance is reminiscent of ripe blueberry
enhanced by hints of died spice and creamy oak. Full
bodied with a strong character of full tannins and nicely
integrated oak flavors, 100% Syrah. Complex smoky, black
currant fruit and peppery spice taste gives this wine
a memorable finish. Do it now or hold it for next Valentines
day, but do it with a friend. Retail $15.00
|
San
Bernabe Vineyard 1997 Syrah
Monterey/Monterra (Address: 12001 South Highway 99, Manteca,
CA 95336, 209-824-3500, www.delicato.com) Spicy aroma
is a combination of spice and leather with brawny characteristics
that lead to a berry fruit. The taste reflects currant,
blackberry, oak and faint flora /herbal components as
well as a vibrant lingering finish drink this now or hold
this wine. Varietal Blend: 75.7% Syrah 20% Cabernet Sauvignon
4.1% Petite Syrah .2% others. Retail: 9.95 |
Sculpterra
2006 Syrah / Paso Robles
This
Syrah is another first vintage from Sculpterra. From its
deep, dark purple hue emanates powerful aromas of plum,
blackberry, and blueberry with effervescent accents of
spice and hickory smoke. The palate is packed with bramble
fruit and sweet cherry, with an engaging zest of pepper
and other spices. The wine is light, its mouthfeel smooth,
and the finish bright as it closes upon notes of spice
and dried fruit. Look out for future vintages of this
varietal. There is plenty of potential.
Score:
90 |
Sculpterra
2006 Petite Sirah / Paso Robles
Keep an eye on this robust wine, for its small, delicate
grapes have yielded to a big flavor with brilliant color
and intense aromas. Boasting strong plum flavors surely
as a result of judicious pruning and intentionally low
yields, this very well balanced wine has a smooth mouth
feel followed by rich tannins. Aged one year in American
oak, its rich profile makes it a contribution to any cellar.
Winemaker Shannon OíNeill deserves a following. |
Sculpterra
2006 Syrah / Paso Robles
Slowly swirl and take your time before your first sip
of this intensely spicy, fruity aroma. Notice its brilliant,
deep purple color with a pale red edge that matches the
setting sun along with its deep legs, and then taste the
plums and cherries balanced superbly with a light tannin
and spicy fruit finish. Aged in American, French and Eastern
European Oak, the wine was aged for one year. The details
are in the nurturing prior to harvest, leaving the purity
of the fruit your rich reward at the table, paired under
a variety of circumstances, such as grains and seafoods
in addition to your beef or pork. Only 140 cases of this
wine, grown right here in the Paso Robles region. |
Tablas
Creek Vineyard Syrah 2005 / Paso Robles
A refined, lighter red, with an inviting dark purple hue
and notes of pepper and dark fruit on the nose, this classic
Syrah combines the sweet and savory at the hands of wine
maker Neil Collins. Supple tannins make a round mouthfeel
that leads to a dry, delicate finish, with lingering notes
of spice. Easy to drink, you can count on this wine to
come through with your quickly prepared steak and salad
fare. Count on it to age well, and stock the cellar. |
Zaca
Vineyards Syrah 1996
/ Santa Barbara County
As dark as a midnight Montana sky. A blend of 80% Syrah,
20% Viognier offers layers of black current, cherries,
and other fruit. The lively nose leads to a big juicy
palate of fruit with a glimpse of peach and apricot. Smooth
with good tannins make it perfect for holding or drinking
now. Retail: 20.00 (Address:P.O. Box. 899 , Los Olivos,
CA 93441, 805-688-9339) |
| 96
— 100 |
Spectacular |
| 92
— 95 |
Outstanding |
89
— 91 |
Great |
| 85
— 88 |
Good |
81
— 84 |
Solid |
|
|
