Noël Verset made wines in Cornas that for many people define the potential greatness of the Northern Rhône and of Syrah. He grew an old Syrah clone called La Petite Syrah , a clone known for aromatic complexity. Young, tannic, acidic Northern Rhône Syrah might be best served after the more delicate and gentle mature wines.

2001 with its silky cherry notes, sweet vanilla, and delicious balance along with flavors of mocha and casis; - 2003 with its notes of Prince Edward Cherry Tobacco, vanilla, and ripe fruit; - 2005 with the flavors described above along with more ripe red integrated and concentrated fruits, much more extracted too …. Perfect Berries.

Because of economic grants and the demands of the international market, many producers are blending with international varietals especially Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and to a lesser extent, Chardonnay. … so when you think of Portugal, you probably think of Port, yes? About Lisbon. Meeting Producers. Alorna. Quinta de Sant’ Ana.

Castelvecchio Chiacchierata Notturna VinSanto Del Chianti 2003 DOC 70% Trebbiano and 30% Sangiovese (that's right, Sangiovese), grapes are selected and hung from the ceiling until December, then aged in caratelli for 5 years, and 3 months in bottle before release. Violet, ripe cherries, coffee, cocoa, mint with floral finish.

Grapes planted include Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre, and Carignan. “A French insurance company owns a Chateau?&# the woman’s voice says, incredulous. This is the exciting thing that happened to me and four other students in the Master of Wine educational program who won a scholarship based on essays we submitted. The Control Room.

Getting time to clean out the old wine fridge. After two months of laying around, drinking coffee, tea, water and gatorade and laying off the good stuff I am beginning to feel the need for a long day of wine shopping, but the fridge is full and I will just have to do my part in making room for more. Here the grapes for Frascati are grown.

I love it when Shirley decides to experiment in the kitchen. It either means we end up going out to dinner or I am in for a special treat. don't always know where she gets her inspiration and last night I did not see any of her cookbooks on the counter, so that means she thought about this recipe while trimming her herb garden.

I don't often go with Shirley and Pam to the Saturday morning Central New York Regional Farmer's Market, but I made an exception today. was also out of bed early enough to tag along, which is unusual. did stop at one and tasted their 2007 Meritage. It seems to be that the wine always is a bit different, no, a lot different than what I remembered.

I've been holding out on the wine reviews until everything gets back to normal after my surgery. At present, my Cardiologist has OK'd 3-4 oz. of wine per day and, for me, that just don't cut it. do cheat a bit and I also skip some evenings. That is what happened with the first bottles I opened. little lighter bodied than what I'm used to in Zin.

Last March I posted a press release on a new collection of artisan wines in an innovative attractive new package. An international wine collection with six brands and ten items packaged in a new exciting premium 3L wine cask from the Octavin Home Wine Bar ™. The Chardonnay was not impressive. Definitely a good party wine.

With May and New York Riesling month coming to close soon, it is safe to say that I tasted more Riesling this month than any one year in my life. The hard part was deciding which ones I would post on the blog. After this article I will post once more on a NY Riesling and may list all those I have had. Both were opened with a BBQ chicken dinner.

This past Monday evening was a first for me on-line. Because of my work schedule and Shirley's extra long 'honey-do' list I never have the chance to do a tweet up on Twitter or follow a wine party on Facebook. You can add comments or photos or just sit back, relax, read what others are having and just sip away on your own wine.

This past weeks edition of the Syracuse New Times, a weekly alternative newspaper published in Syracuse, New York, contained an interesting article on Finger Lakes Riesling. Gary noted four wineries, one of which I vaguely remember from an article written by Evan Dawson for the New York Cork Report. Sipping later was delightful.

To continue Riesling month here in New York, I wanted to find something other than my favorites from the Finger Lakes region. Doing so seemed almost impossible. Other than ordering on line, it is very difficult to find New York wines other than Finger Lakes and Adirondack wineries in the local shops. Enough history.

Just finished watching the movie "Avatar" while sipping on my first Riesling of the summer. Finger Lakes Riesling of course. This month is Riesling month in New York and this will be the first of many I'll enjoy over the next 30 days. The 2008 Red Tail Ridge semi-dry Riesling was suggested by my sister-in-law. This is now one of her favorites.

Recently, the wife and I have been discussing a possible trip to California next year. few of the issues are for how long and where. Of course my choice would be Napa Valley, Sonoma Valley or Russian River Valley, the home of some of the best wines in the world. Oh, I'm sorry, did I leave out Paso Robles, Lodi, Central Coast or Livermore Valley.

I'm leaving Chile(till later) and heading over to California to try a few more Zin's. I'm starting to surprise myself with what I am finding with Zinfandel and also a bit disappointed that I wasted so many years with such a limited selection or narrow palate. Deep dark fruit aromas with some cherry. Hey, you're never too old to learn.

While Merlot’s fall from grace can be traced to one line in the movie Sideways , the fall of Syrah has been more difficult to track. Even more broadly, it’s still a tough sell: producers and retailers have repeatedly told me that save for a few appellations in the Northern Rhone, the homeland of the grape, Syrah remains a sluggish category.

This is the third of the Carmenere wines I tasted this month. As I stated in my previous two articles, Carmenere is one of the wines I've pushed aside in the past, but have placed on a list to re-examine in 2010. The first two left me with mixed feelings about the wine. did enjoy this with some Muenster and Dubliner cheese. It'll be fun!!!

We also tasted Maggie's cult central coast syrah, Lillian. The 2006 (which I had previously tasted blind against Danforth's 2003 Sonoma Syrah ) is blackberry in color with musk and blood and pure ripe fruit on the nose. In short, Maggie's pinot noirs from Willamette Valley are not of this world. In 2007, in which it rained 9.5

It's been a few years since I tasted Carmenere. If I remember right, it was a take it or leave it, nothing special, too many other fine wines, don't shop for wine. My last review confirmed that feeling, but in a very serious attempt to expand a lazy palate I purchased a few different labels to compare. The first was disappointing.

Wish I had a nice Canadian wine tonight so I could toast the Canadian Olympic Hockey Team on their winning of the Gold medal. am not an avid hockey fan, but I do watch occasionally and tonight enjoyed one of the best ever games. Instead, I uncorked an Arboleda Carmenère 2006 from the Colchagua Valley of Chile. Bring on the steaks!!! Wine Acidity: 5.31

The second course of fish was paired with Azua Bobal Roble 2007 (sweet floral nose, fruit and spice on the palate that does not weigh one down) and Quantum 2008 blend of Merlot, Syrah, and Cabernet Sauvignon. Michael Apstein. Have you heard of Manchuela? It is a very small, rather new D.O.

BTW, they are Zinfandel, Syrah, Pitite Sirah and Carmenere. The Zins are coming along better than expected and Syrah is rapidly becoming one of my faves. Tags: California red wine Petite Syrah Think my taste buds are back. I've been having a few problems with red wines since finishing some prescribed meds a few weeks ago.

Cashmere is a silky and wonderful blend of Mourvèdre, Grenache, and Syrah. One of the great things about social networking is that you often get in contact with friends and classmates from a time when all was great, life was fun and we were all going to live forever. This disease is not reserved for just women. Here's what I learned.

So much so, at half time of game, I got on-line and ordered more Atwater Cab-Merlot and Syrah. Sometimes when you least expect it, you open what may becomes your new favorite bottle of wine. Tonight I opened one of my remaining bottles of Finger Lakes wine purchased at my last tour in December. blend of 53% Cabernet Sauvignon and 47% Merlot.

Big break in weather today here in Central New York. Temperatures will reach about 30F. Must be the annual January thaw! To celebrate I figured to open one of my usually reserved for warm weather whites. My choice is one that was recently purchased at Lakewood Vineyards on Seneca Lake at the December 'Deck the Halls" event. 2007 Riesling.

Somewhere among my 50 New Year's resolutions (99.9% failure rate) was to leave my wine comfort zone more often as I continue to expand my trapped palate. To do so, I will have to taste, I mean drink, more wines that I never tried or wines I just never liked. So, to start off the new year I opened one of my least favorite wines, Zinfandel.

Syrah has always been one to those wines I could take or leave it. While visiting Damiani Wine Cellars on Seneca Lake this past spring I tasted an excellent Syrah and I was sold. found that the Syrah's produced here in the US were smoother and not as bold as the full bodied Shiraz I had become accustomed to.

The wine is 85% Cab/Sauv, 10% Merlot and 5% Syrah which gives it a nice fruity and peppery finish. ** Disclaimer: I received these wines from Martellotto Wine s One of the benefits of writing a wine blog is the occasional UPS delivery of wine to taste and review on the blog. The first one I opened was the Martellotto 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon.

Made from 90% Cabernet, 6% Tempranillo, 4% Syrah. Lot 143 is one of the first acquisitions of Sam Spencer, (our new wine maker) after originally bringing us Lots 1 and 2 back in 2003. More tasting notes from the Snooth California Cabernet Sauvignon Blind Tasting earlier this month.

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.

From All Recipes; Syrah, Zin or Riesling were suggested with the different submitted recipes. Alright, here's my dilemma or at least one of them. Tonight Shirley and daughter Pam are making 'halupkies' for dinner. The dilemma, I have no clue as to what wine to open. That only added to the dilemma. Color was a nice light greenish gold.

Bottled by Crystal Valley Cellars in Yountville and blended from several different Syrahs from the area, this deep red gives up aromas of cassis, black currant, and dark berries. Flavors are full and complex, with exotic fruits like figs which make a great first impression on the palate. This is a winner in my book.

I'm discovering a taste for the Syrahs of the northern Rhône, but I haven't had a Châteauneuf du Pape that I really like, never mind a Gigondas, or Vacqueyras. Anyway, my generous friend Tista gave me the gift of a bottle of 2003 Château Rayas last time I saw him, and I figured that it would be nice with our cheese course.

Bonterra adds a little Merlot and Syrah to expand it's flavor and texture. I have a daughter that is living at home right now while she fixes up a house she bought a few months ago. She is very much into eating healthy and buys only organic veggies and fruits and free range meats, eggs and cheeses. Great Buy!

2003 McWilliam’s Mount Pleasant Lovedale Semillon, Hunter. 2003 Craigow Riesling, Tasmania. 2006 Clarendon Hills Astralis Vineyard Shiraz (Syrah), McLaren Vale. 1996 Clarendon Hills Astralis Vineyard Shiraz (Syrah), McLaren Vale. 2003 Tempus Two Copper Zenith Semillon, Hunter. Day One. Australia’s Fine Wine.

The 2008 Vin Gris de Cigare * was aromatic but a little flabby, while the 2003 Cigare Volant **/ and 2004 Cigare Volant ** each showed a little reduction. The 2003 showed tar, smoke, and prune. Tags: 2004 2 stars USA Central California 2006 3 stars 1 star 2005 Good Value 2003 2007 2008 Maybe it will turn out great, maybe not.

Another blend from Il Borro of 75% Syrah and 25% Sangiovese reflects a subtle nose of red cherries, currants and leather, with hints of vanilla and a finish of spices, namely cinnamon and cloves. ??The Castiglion del Bosco Brunello di Montalcino 2003 ??Castiglion Flavors of pear and vanilla balanced with nice acidity.??

Tenuta Il Borro Pian di Nova Toscana 2005 IGT Another blend from Ferragamo's Il Borro, this blend of 75% Syrah and 25% Sangiovese reflects a subtle nose of red cherries, currants and leather, with hints of vanilla and a finish of spices, namely cinnamon and cloves. Flavors of pear and vanilla balanced with nice acidity. alcohol content.

Of particular interest was the 2003 Yarden Syrah - a big California style Syrah with dark fruit, this concentrated wine with big soft tannins will coat your palate and leave you with a nice long finish.  Made a trip back up to the Golan Heights today.  I even got to take a trip up a row of vines on a mechanical harvester. 

is a 100% syrah from Walla Walla, Washington State. Last year the 2003 propriety wine was like plush chocolaty velvet. Pride Mountain Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2003 * Simply gorgeous. I have a love/hate relationship with Wine Spectator. love their events. occasionally enjoy their magazine. Earth and minerality on the nose.

of Syrah was very interesting.  A 2003 Artadi Pagos Viejos Rioja and the 2001 Grant Burge "Meshach" Shiraz.  A Sangiovese/Syrah/Cab Franc blend was intriguing and determined to be a great food wine.  While I went away (within Israel) for the sabbath to a friend of the family.  Crisp, minerally, refreshing.great start!

The 2003 is drinking great, the 2004 is delicious and the just released 2005 is gorgeous.  Yiron" , a favorite of mine for many years, whose 2004 vintage includes Cabernet, Merlot and a touch of Syrah (not technically a Bordeaux varietal). I'm sorry for the delay in writing this post.  I'm pressed for time (aren't we all) so here goes.

90% Sangiovese and 10% Merlot and Syrah make up this single vineyard Chianti Classico from Tuscany, Italy. Very dark ruby in color with a medium body, it gives off aromas of cherries, herbs, cloves, black pepper, and funky soil. So far so good. but this is where the fun stops. It's just as well. I'm not crazy about this wine.

Michaud also had a 2003 Chalone Syrah that I also really thought was great.  A beautifully structured elegant & velvety Syrah with a WOW bouquet (elegantly put if I do say so myself). Wine Enthusiast magazine put on their "Toast of the Town" wine & food event yesterday in NYC at Lincoln Center.  Very well done!

Although Ridge is known for their Zins they do make other very fine wines and we were started off with a Chardonnay and finished with a Cab/Merlot blend and finally a Petit Syrah. The 2003 Dry Creek Valley Cabernet reserve was also a favorite with its unusual nose and nice body. Sangiovese is often a lighter red with greater acidity.

The wines that stood out though were their Syrahs. enjoyed the 2003 Havens Syrah but mentioned to Connie that I thought the nose was a little closed. She proceeded to open a 2000 Syrah that they recently re-released and it was great. Upon arriving we started with a very nice rose' made from Zin with a little Syrah.

Merlot, Cab, Syrah - been there done that. lighter wine than a Cab, merlot or Syrah, Barbera is said to be the most (or second most) planter varietal in Italy. It is used in blends (often with Rhone varietals such as grenache & Syrah) to add color to red wines. Come on Wine Tasting Guy, give us something unusual.

have found 2003 -2005 in stores ranging in price from about $ 13.50 It can be found for both the 2003 & 2004 vintages. They make a Yiron Syrah which is very nice as well, but their regular Yiron, which is a Bordeaux blend (a blend of the grapes used in French Bordeaux), sometimes with Syrah added in is just a fabulous wine.

And finally the Peay 2005 "La Bruma" Estate Syrah, which I was told came from a very cool Syrah site, was also not a fruit bomb like some of the other Syrah's I tried. The 2003 "1er Etage" Cab Franc was blended with 2% Petit Verdot and had very subtle green notes but was was nice as well. Great stuff. really enjoyed it.

We have chosen 2003 Pagos De Infante 100 % tempranillo from the Ribera de Duero located on the northern plateau along the Duero River. So with that being said our fourth wine is a 2004 Domaine Gayda Three Winds Vin de Pay d'Oc syrah from the Languedoc. So the Alphabet City Wine Co. has been open for about a month now and all is well.

Well ladies and gentlemen, the results are in. will be copying a list of wines & their scores from Israeli Wine Critic Daniel Rogov's "Wine & Food Forum".  I am waiting for my physical copy of the issue to arrive before I comment specifically.  More comments later.  Without further ado, the scores.

Emilion ( Check out Eric Asimov's article on the underdog beauty of 2003 St. On the tasting sheets all wines led to the one bottle that Miles pined over in the film (which was a syrah by the way. Man have I been busy. Every time that I sat down to type away about wine last week I was called away by meetings and appointments. Who knows?

Probably because Cabernet based wines and Syrahs are not my passion. 2003 Mark Ryan Long Haul , $33 (Avalon Wines). I'm trying to be forgiving here because I understand how difficult 2003 - very hot. Hard to believe it's already Wine Blogging Wednesday time again. West coast wines are daunting to me, I must say.

Oregon 2003 Daedalus Pinot Noir Seven Springs Vineyard , $35 (Winery). This lovely Syrah from Texier is an excellent value at $16. Light and lively with strong acidity, but not off-putting, as it can be in young Syrahs sometimes. The name of this wine is a little pun in French." ef.er.vey.cent." Effervescent. Holy cow!

My 5's 2004 Eric Texier Cote-Rotie , $62 - This Northern Rhone Syrah was lighter than his other reds, incredibly intense nose of roasted meat and herbs, olives and soil. 100% Syrah from the resurrected Brezeme vineyard, this is light in color, but intense with plums, herbs, and tar, and really well balanced with nice acidity and low alcohol.

There is also an "entry level" wine, called Willamette Valley, a Syrah (that I have never tasted), and Labyrinth, a blend of fruit from Seven Springs and three other vineyards, Maresh, Momtazi, and Hawks View. So we went with the 2003 instead, which is interesting because it was such a tough year. magical experience.

Interestingly enough the red in the package this month was a syrah. was about to pop a bottle of boutique Monterey syrah. So last weekend My wife and I, syrah in hand journeyed to the upper west side to visit some close friends for a night of good company, good conversation and as it turns out, great wine. It's pretty exciting.

The bottle I purchased was a 2003 Domaine La Garrigue from the Vacqueyras A.O.C. The computer said one hundred percent granache but after tasting it there might some syrah and a little mouverde in there. also just realized that this is a 2003. I am on a brief French wine kick right now. then scanned the label again.again. Bacon.

The producers name is Chateau Rouet and it was a blend of 60% granache and 40% syrah and had a beautiful pink color and a wacky curvaceous bottle. The article stated that before 2003 the general rule with cab franc in the Loire was to pick when the grapes were quite green and press them to within and inch of their lives. Gal was torn.