by Ray Johnson | Apr 29, 2009 | Cote-Rotie, France, Syrah
E. Guigal, Cote-Rotie, Brune et Blonde de Guigal 2005 Here is a Syrah that demonstrates the black pepper quality that lurks in this variety. There’s also earthiness, a benign Band-Aid character adding to the complexity of the nose. The mouth shows Syrah’s...
by Ray Johnson | Apr 29, 2009 | California, Syrah
JC Cellars, California Cuvee, Syrah 2006 This is an inky Syrah to look at. The nose features sweet black fruits and berry pie. The mouth is a rich expression of Syrah, with sweet-appearing fruit and ripe tannins. Winemaker Jeff Cohn. P&B in Oakland 15.0% $40 at...
by Ray Johnson | Apr 27, 2009 | Aragon, Cabernet Sauvignon, Carinena, Spain, Syrah, Tempranillo
Jordan de Asso, Carinena DO, Crianza 2005 This wine features a great balance of oak and fruity flavors, driven by a long sense of acidity. The grapes behind this blend are 40% Tempranillo, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Syrah. The wine was aged in 100% French oak for...
by Ray Johnson | Apr 24, 2009 | Alexander Valley, California, Sonoma County, Syrah
Wattle Creek, Alexander Valley, Shiraz 2005 The nose smells of oak, nuts and caramel over chocolate with a bit of spiritous character peeping through. The mouth is a supple expression of ripe black fruit and oakiness. P&B in Cloverdale 14.4% $30 at the winery...
by Ray Johnson | Apr 24, 2009 | Alexander Valley, California, Sonoma County, Syrah
Coyote Crest, Alexander Valley, Sonoma County, Estate Bottled, Syrah 2005 Unfortunately this wine is corked. Grown, Produced & Bottled in Healdsburg 15.9% $28 at the winery Coyote Crest Vineyards & Winery
by Ray Johnson | Apr 17, 2009 | Alexander Valley, California, Sonoma County, Syrah
Palmeri, Alexander Valley, Van Ness Vineyard, Syrah 2004 This Syrah features meaty, gamey notes in the nose. In the mouth it’s a big wine, with plenty of structure and extract. Many Syrah have moved into a candy-like, no structure direction while this one shows...
