November 23, 2018
Que Syrah, Shiraz! From All Over The World!
1. 2005 Charles Cimicky Shiraz Reserve Barossa Valley Australia
Coats the glass with a thick purple film. Purple/black, it gives up a splendid perfume of cedar, Asian spices, pepper, violets, bacon, blueberry, and blackberry. On the palate the wine is dense and plush, admirably combining elegance and power. There are gobs of sweet blue and black fruits, ripe tannins. Rated 95 The Wine Advocate (WA)
2. 2014 Martinelli Syrah Lolita Ranch Russian River Valley California
Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2014 Syrah Lolita Ranch has youthful black cherry, mulberry and black pepper notes with hints of cloves and cinnamon stick. Big, concentrated and full-bodied, the generous fruit is well-supported by firm, rounded tannins and plenty of freshness, finishing long and spicy. Only 89 cases were made. Rated 90 WA
3. 2013 Tensley Syrah Colson Canyon Vineyard Santa Barbara County California
The largest-scaled Colson Canyon to date, the 2013 Syrah Colson Canyon is classic cassis, black raspberry, graphite and toasty notes to go with a full-bodied, concentrated and layered profile on the palate. This got a big "Wow" in the notes, and while it doesn't pull any punches with regards to fruit or texture, it stays lively and elegant. It will have 10-15 years of longevity. Rated 94-97 WA
4. 2013 Lucia Gary's Vineyard Syrah Santa Lucia Highlands California
Vivid purple. An exotically perfumed bouquet displays vibrant black and blue fruit and violet pastille aromas, along with suggestions of incense, olive paste and cracked pepper. Alluringly sweet and concentrated, offering palate-staining blueberry and cherry-cola flavors and a subtle touch of candied licorice. A vanilla note comes up on the youthfully tannic finish, which hangs on with outstanding tenacity and repeating sweetness. 93 points Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar
5. 2012 Terre Rouge Syrah Sentinel Oak Vineyard Shenandoah Valley Sierra Foothills California
Built for aging, this tightly wound, elegant and yet grand wine is sure to develop more nuances and smoothness with time. It smells enticingly like cedar, tobacco and dark chocolate-covered blueberries, yet retains a firmness and reserve that doesn't let those melt into richness on the palate quite yet. Rated 95 Wine Enthusiast Magazine Cellar Selection
6. 2015 Betz Family Winery Syrah La Cote Rousse Red Mountain Washington State
"The 2015 Syrah la Cote Rousse is a blockbuster Syrah from Red Mountain that’s from the Ranch at the End of The Road and Ciel du Cheval vineyards. It’s a mix of four different clones and is brought up in barrel. This deep, inky, seriously black Syrah gives up Hermitage-like notes of scorched earth, charred meats, graphite and licorice. It’s a big, concentrated effort that’s going to benefit from short-term cellaring and keep through 2035." Rated 96 WA
7. 2015 Eberle Syrah Steinbeck Vineyard Paso Robles California
Savory aromas of black pepper, teriyaki-glazed steak, charcoal and elderberry jam converge for a compelling nose on this bottling. There is a strong soy richness to the sip, with grilled black plums and alder smoke flavors. It's the perfect barbecue wine. Rated 91 Wine Enthusiast
8. 2009 Tulocay Syrah Napa Valley Haynes Vineyard California
Garnet purple color. Aromas of stewed berries, Greek yogurt, and char-roasted nuts with a silky, dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body and a tangy, blackberry, cream, peppery spice and cedar finish with powdery tannins. Rated 88 Tastings.com