Fine Wines : Syrah

Here is a prime example of a handcrafted wine‎and a good one, to boot. First of all, special care was taken with terroir selection (Santa Lucia Highlands) as well as good grapes and fine winemaking techniques. Only about 200 cases were produced, so the price is (almost) irrelevant‎especially if you find yourself liking the wine. What's to like? A dark beverage with fruity character, ranging from ripe raspberries to blackberries laced with some spice. Most pleasant in the mouth with a medium to full body and a lingering finish, you could pair it with short ribs.

This wine has ample tannins and tremendous concentration of fruit. blackberry and licorice accentuate the nose while a moderate amount of caramel is evident in the flavor, a result of new French barrels. This wine will hold its own with intensely flavored dishes such as stews, grilled meats and strong cheeses

The bouquet of the 2005 Syrah elicits black cherry, blackberry, pomegranate, leather, white pepper and black licorice, with notes of roasted coffee and leather. The saturated black/purple color hints at a wine of rich fruit and structure.The wine picks up barrel spice and brown sugar notes on the finish, while firm tannins resolve into the density of the fruit. The quality of the fruit and the tannin structure suggest a wine that will continue to develop and improve for some time.