When I asked why Syrah would work if a Bordeaux wouldn't, Peter said that Syrah is very similar to Cabernet in structure, but far more versatile with food. My first time with the '99, and it seriously outclasses the delicious 2000, in my opinion. The other night my friend Peter came over for dinner. Those are assertive flavors. MORE >>

Winemakers notes: In the hills near Rome are areas of volcanic soil over 2000 years old. Getting time to clean out the old wine fridge. Shirley keeps doing her part by challenging me to come up with a pairing for some of her weird dinner experiments. 10 *Disclaimer: I received this wine as a sample from the PR folks representing the brand. MORE >>

2000 Noël Verset Cornas. To me it felt more like a highly polished and very modern Syrah, and while there is certainly nothing wrong with that, and while in that context it was perfectly good wine, it isn't something that I would buy for myself. The 2000 was very good, although I must say that I have had better bottles of it. MORE >>

When I hear all of this talk of the greatness of the 2007s, I do not so much start salivating about the new vintage, as I do begin to reflect upon the last three purportedly high quality vintages in the Rhône: 2003, 2000 and 1998. John Gilman, author of the newsletter The View from the Cellar , joins us again for a Q&A. think not. MORE >>

2000 Domaine A Cabernet Sauvignon, Tasmania. 2006 Clarendon Hills Astralis Vineyard Shiraz (Syrah), McLaren Vale. 1996 Clarendon Hills Astralis Vineyard Shiraz (Syrah), McLaren Vale. 2008 Sutton Grange Winery Fairbank Rosé Syrah/Cabernet/Merlot, Bendigo. 2002 Castagna Genesis Syrah, Beechworth. Day One. Day Two. MORE >>