Six scrumptious syrahs for seasonal sipping
To tack onto yesterday’s post, here is a brief list of some of the syrahs I’ve been enjoying lately, including a recap of the two syrahs I detailed yesterday. Get yourself one or more of these warm and sensuous beauties, grab a lucky friend, and enjoy your Autumn!
2003 Martella Syrah, Fairbairn Ranch
Ruby red color and bright acid, layers of rich, lively plum and cherry flavors. Moderately smooth tannins don’t bite. 14.8% alcohol.
16.5 winehiker points
$35 at BevMo and at michaelmartella.com; purchased at BevMo and signed by Mr. Michael Martella.
2005 Lost Canyon Syrah, Trenton Station Vineyard, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County
Dark purple color but bright and peppery with intense blackberry fruit flavors. Lovely mouthfeel and long finish. 14.2% alcohol.
18.5 winehiker points
$35 at lostcanyonwinery.com; purchased at the winery.
2003 Le Cuvier Syrah, Halter Ranch, Paso Robles
Rich purple color, intense blackberry and cherry fruit with a little yeast, a little earth. Voluptuous on the palate, fine balance, and an excellent finish. 15.96% alcohol.
17.5 winehiker points
Purchased for $30 at the winery, lcwines.com; may no longer be available.
2004 Esca Syrah, Napa Valley
Nice dark ruby color, full-bodied blackberry, herb and spice flavors, slight oak bitterness, moderate finish. Drink now. 14.5% alcohol (screwcap).
15.5 winehiker points
$23 at WineQ and at escawines.com
2004 Smith Wooton Syrah, Tanner Brothers Vineyard, Calaveras County
Deep violet color, black cherry and vanilla aromas, raspberry and white pepper flavor with a hint of figs and chocolate. Refreshingly fine balance, light to moderate texture, and a moderately-lengthy finish. 14.7% alcohol.
17.5 winehiker points
$28 at WineQ and at croze-cab.com
2004 Twisted Oak Syrah, Tanner Brothers Vineyard, Calaveras County
Deep purple inkiness with black raspberry and cherry aromas that carry through to its taste. A little tight on tannin but smooth mouthfeel. Plum flavors also, plus a hint of mission figs, cloves, and a little Brett at first that gives way to a nice smokiness. 14.3% alcohol.
16.5 winehiker points
$32 at WineQ and at twistedoak.com
November 14th, 2007 10:56
Six scrumptious syrahs for seasonal sipping…
Notes on syrahs I’ve been sipping this season. Get yourself one or more these beauties, grab a lucky friend, and enjoy!…
November 15th, 2007 15:42
Thanks for these reviews–especially of so many WineQ wines. I’ll be putting some of them in my Q, for sure.
November 15th, 2007 15:55
Thanks, Dr. Debs! The other day I noticed how many wines I have stacked up in my WineQ, and saw 58 of them! Gosh, I hope I live long enough to review them all.