The Hugues de Coulmet has a creamier quality that is more easy going, while the vintage 2005 has a still-wine character that brings depth. The 2010 Clary Ranch Syrah had lots of similarities to a St. It’s the time of year when distributors and/or importers have annual (or semi-annual) portfolio tastings. Really, a WOW! Quite fun.

The 2007 Sync and an outstanding 2008 blend of Cab Franc, Pinot Noir, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon called Overlay Verse 4. Anyela's planted their vineyard in 2001, and opened in 2008 when releasing their 2005 vintage. Entrance sign off W. Lake Rd. And there happens to be only one winery on that lake. Very professional! No gift shop.

Nine years later (2005)  they acquired Château Gazin Rocquencourt, 28 hectares situated next to Malartic?Lagravière. The entry level Perlita is a new brand, and is labeled Malbec-Syrah (2010) because it is 80 percent Malbec and 20 percent Syrah. In 1996, Jean-Jacques's  parents Alfred?Alexandre Lagravière. Quite juicy!

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.

Francis Winery Sonoma County Old Vines Zinfandel, 2008 California The average age of the vines here are 80-100 years old, and actually is 89% Zin, and the rest a blend of Alicante Bouschet, Mourverdre, Carignane, Syrah and Petite Sirah. The wines were from California, Italy, France and New Zealand. Great deal at $10. Nice long layered finish.

In 2005 they acquired Chateau Gazin Rocquencourt, 28 hectares situated next to Malartic-Lagraviere, and that same year, purchased 115 hectares within Clos de los Siete in Argentina (with an additional 20 hectares to be planted later) which was started by wine consultant Michel Rolland in 1998. The 130?hectare

The lanky, California maker of pinot noir, chardonnay, and syrah told me at his Sonoma winery that he had his conversion in 2005, after returning from a trip to Burgundy and the Rhone. He tasted the pinot noirs and syrahs he had been making since starting his own label, Copain Wines , in 1999. Search for Copain wines at retail.

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.

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.

blend of Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon, I found bright citrus fruit on the nose - think persimmon, and also some very prominent sandalwood aromas. It is a blend of Syrah and Cabernet, and there might be other grapes in there too. 2005 Domaine de Triennes Vin de Pays du Var St Auguste , $18, Imported by The Sorting Table. alcohol.

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.

Jamesport Vineyards 2005 Melange de Trois Bordeaux blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Merlot and 26% Cabernet Franc. Castello di Borghese 2005 Merlot Aged in French oak barrels for 13 months. Clovis Point 2007 Archaeology 56% Merlot, 21% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Cabernet Franc, 6% Petit Verdot, 6% Syrah, whew! million per year.

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!!!

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

with the first course of shrimp, we enjoyed the Macabeo described above and Realce Crianza 2005, 100% Tempranillo with spice and concentrated red fruit. Michael Apstein. Have you heard of Manchuela? It is a very small, rather new D.O. in Spain that makes quality white, rose, and red wine.

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.

You will also find well-crafted 100% Merlot (a great example was the Bodegas Castillo de Monjardin Deyo Merlot 2005), the 100% Syrah (Bodegas y Vinedos Alzania 2005), and sweet white wines made from Moscatel (picked very ripe, with fermentation stopped to keep residual sugar) and a richer style made with botrytized grapes as is made in Sauternes.

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.

With a nose of cranberry and fig, black raspberries, strawberries and white pepper with subtle animal notes, this blend of 80% Sangiovese and 20% Syrah offer up an exotic aromatic presentation. tufaceous a porous rock formed as a deposit from springs or streams Webster's New Collegiate Dictionary

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.

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.

We got to meet Amy Cheatle and the staff and tasted some of my favorites and some new reds along with a surprisingly nice Sauvignon Blanc and I must admit a real nice Syrah. Amy talked me into trying the Syrah, a wine not very high on my list of favorites. Our first stop was at Damiani Wine Cellars. The first was a must do.

Just last night we opened a Robert Sinskey 2005 Los Carneros Merlot ** that was nicely textured and tart. learned my lesson with 2005 Bordeaux. Winter-Spring 2009 Cult Wine Release Schedule with pricing (where available) January Ridge Monte Bello 2007 $125 Quilceda Creek 2005 $140 Kistler 2006 avg. Flights are delayed.

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!

2005 Leeuwin Estate Art Series Chardonnay, Margaret River. 2005 Jacob’s Creek Steingarten Riesling, Barossa. 2005 Mount Horrocks Riesling, Clare Valley. 2006 Clarendon Hills Astralis Vineyard Shiraz (Syrah), McLaren Vale. 1996 Clarendon Hills Astralis Vineyard Shiraz (Syrah), McLaren Vale. Day One. Day Two.

By contrast the 2005 Monte Bello which we tasted from bottle is darker, more profound; a surprisingly succulent wine at this stage, with good viscosity in the mouth and old school verve. The 2007 Lytton Estate Syrah/Grenache ** is also tight, almost light, almost too searing, with blue fruits and tons of tannin. All are superb.

By contrast, I very much enjoyed the 2005 Syrah Le Pousseur **/ An elegant, restrained, but ripe and very purple wine, with a finish that made my teeth Zzzzzzzing! And the 2005 Nebbiolo is off the charts. Tags: 2004 2 stars USA Central California 2006 3 stars 1 star 2005 Good Value 2003 2007 2008 Neither was a "wow" wine.

2005 Domaine Rimbert Mas au Schiste , $20, Jenny & François Selections. Syrah, and Grenache. 75% Syrah, some Grenache, Cinsault, and Mourvedre make up the balance. Classic peppery and meaty Syrah, with good energy and balance. Call me crazy, but I don't see us climbing out of this recession any time soon.

Pax Cellars Syrah Vine Hill Vineyard 2004 * was dark purple, nearly opaque. 100% syrah from 80% new French Oak (15.55% alc/vol and a 3.85 Ojai Vineyard's White Hawk Vineyard 2004 Syrah * ditto above, but add a little spice to the mid palate. In a word: blueberry.

This wine is 80% old vines Grenache and 20% Syrah from gravel and yellow sandstone soils that Milan is fond of comparing to that of Château Rayas. And this wine turned out to be the 2005 Domaine Henri Milan Baux de Provence Saint Remy de Provence red blend (about $25). Champagne by Leclaire-Gaspard and Bruno Gobillard.excellent. C'mon.speak

In honor of Australia Day last week, and because I think syrah is most seasonally apt in the winter, I tried a Northern Rhone syrah against an Aussie shiraz. Okay, there was no shootout. Sort of a duel, but without the guns, wounds or Aaron Burr. Joseph. And the lighter alcohol was a relief from many a shiraz.

Tenuta Il Borro Pian di Nova Toscana 2005 IGT ?Another 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 Tenuta Il Borro Toscana 2005 IGT?? alcohol content.?? very velvety wine

At Snooth's tasting room I had the opportunity to sample 12 Syrahs selected by Greg Dal Piaz. They were all 100% Syrah varietal, so it still amazes me how much of a range there was in the flights. 2005 LaTour Vineyards Napa Valley California Syrah 14.8% - $26.50 Please note all bottles were opened 2.5 Liked it. very nice.

Montirius , Le Cadet, vin de pays de Vaucluse, 2005 ($9.99; find this wine ). This blend of 50% Grenache - 30% Syrah - 20% Cinsault comes from a couple in the Southern Rhone who make their wines biodynamically. Everybody always wants a good wine under $10. And that’s never been more true than now. tanks. Importer: Louis/Dressner.

This California red is influenced by the style of the Southern Rhone valley with a blend of 46% Syrah, 23% Mourvedre, 17% Grenache and 14% Cinsault. Tags: Syrah Grenache Mourvedre cinsault Noticeably high in alcohol, 14.9%, and a palate of blackberry, herbs & spices, rhubarb pie and white pepper.

From France's Rhône region comes this red wine, Vin de Pays de la Principauté d'Orange from winemaker Corinne Couturier made from the grapes of Grenache, Syrah, Cinsaut, Mourvèdre and Carignan. The finish is spicy with the lingering of pepper and currants and a satisfying earthiness that I really enjoyed

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. very nice wine.

From the Lytton West vineyard in Dry Creek Valley, this is a dark blue syrah blended with 6% viognier , which adds a honeyed and floral note to the nose. At only 14.5% alcohol, the wine is very strong in the mouth, almost austere, but the wine is well structured - the tannins are fine and the purple fruit notes dominate.

At snooth on Sunday afternoon I participated in a blind tasting of 12 red wines. Led by Greg Dal Piaz of Snooth, all the bottles' labels were covered and we sampled 4 flights of three each.

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. 2008 photo by Dave Trieger

Next up we have an A glianico del Taburno DOC from Cantina del Taburno "Fidelis" 2005 * This is also a good value but is a touch thinner, with less sweet red fruit and slightly tougher tannin on the front end. Loup blend of Syrah (55%), Grenache (35%) and Mourvedre (10%), it's produced by the firm Ravaille Freres." Check him out.

From Arezzo, Italy this blend is a balancing act of 50% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Syrah, and aged in French barriques for 12 months. Il Borro is part of a stable of wines brought forth by Salvatore Ferragamo, whose grandfather built the famous footwear brand. 2008 photo by Dave Trieger

Sadly, Tibor Gal died too young in a car accident in 2005. This wine helped us two on our goal to the Wine Century Club since it has 40% Kékfrankos, 30% cabernet franc, 15% syrah, 5% Kekoporto, 5% pinot noir, 5% cabernet sauvignon. The most recent session of my six-week introductory wine class at NYU wrapped up last week. Good times!

Could it be that I'm just not a big fan of Syrah? Here are some of the big shots that just didn't do it for me: 2004 Chapoutier Hermitage Blanc Chante-Alouette ($90) 2005 Chapoutier Hermitage Monier de la Sizeranne ($115) 2005 Delas Fr è res Hermitage Les Bessards and Marquise de la Tourette ($?) Where was Dard et Ribo???

According to fellow blogger Dave Treiger , this Lirac was, "Made from 45% Grenache , 45% Syrah and 10% Mourvedre." Deep color, almost opaque. Tightly wound nose of wild flowers and wood. This is a very good, wintery bistro wine from an outstanding vintage. Dave liked its, "deep ruby color with initial aromas of black pepper and ripe plum."

While at the other end of the wine sophistication spectrum, the 2005 Yarden Katzrin Chardonnay is a BIG golden chardonnay with toffee, caramel, nutty aromas and a creamy palate that finishes long with all sorts of complexities. Made a trip back up to the Golan Heights today.  looks a little freaky huh.

routinely disagree with their wine scores (they gave Ridge Vineyards Monte Bello 2005 only 85 points - WTF are they thinking?!) Araujo Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley "Eisele Vineyard" 2005 * Smoky garnet color. wine of great depth and class, and my favorite 2005 Napa cabernet of the night. Merus 2005 ? love their events.

This blend from France is made from 45% Grenache , 45% Syrah and 10% Mourvedre , it has a deep ruby color with initial aromas of black pepper and ripe plum. Cru Des Cotes Du Rhone. It's big on the palate combining a fragrant spice with a nice barnyard kick and a fairly high alcohol content of 14.5%. At $14.99

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.

He guessed a 2005 Burgundy, young and tightly closed. swear to you, it didn't taste like Syrah. Here are five red wines. They could be anything from anywhere in the world. Would you like to taste and try to identify them.blind? For some people, even experienced wine lovers, this is an exercise in apprehension and annoyance.

Such as, in no particular order: 1) 2005 Herv é Souhart VdP Le Souteronne (100% delicious Rhône Gamay). 2) 2006 Gilles Azzoni VdP Le Raisin et L'Ange Fable (100% Ard è che Syrah for acid freaks). 7) 2005 Domaine Rimbert Saint Chinian Mas au Schiste (Gorgeous!). Sadly, this Champagne seems now to have broken the $50 barrier.

2005 Domaine Weinbach Sylvaner Clos des Capuchins R é serve , price unknown but about $20, Vineyard Brands Imports. Not your typical Syrah, that's for sure. But the aromas of young Syrah fruit - bacon fat, horses, purple flowers, herbs and earth - they are all readily apparent. This is not a post about wines that are chaste.

Here are some of the wines that stood out for me: 1992 Edmunds St John Syrah Grand Heritage. 2005 Puzelat Touraine La Tesni è re , a lovely smoky and funky white made of Menu Pineau, and the 2004 Puzelat Touraine La Tesni è re , a red made of Pineau D'Aunis. The more I learn about wine, the more I realize that I don't know. Who knew.

The 2005 Old Vine Cuvee is made from 37% Mataro, 24% Zinfandel, 18% Carignan, 13% Petite Syrah and 8% Alicante Bouschet. ©photo 2008 by Dave Trieger This is another one of my picks from the tasting I attended this past weekend at The Restaurant at Sun & Surf Beach Club in Atlantic Beach, N.Y. This is an amazing deal for $18

From Rhone, France comes this blend of 60% Grenache and 40% Syrah produced by Marianne & Marc Fues, whom I met at the Alsace & Rhone Valley Wine Expo earlier this week in NYC. Marc told me the oak the wine is aged in (for 12 months) comes from many different regions, giving it an interesting character.

The 2005 Chaveo had a deep ruby/purple color, with aromas of fresh berries, dark chocolate and subtle toastiness. What a difference a little marketing & the word FREE can do. The events were set up by the same gentleman who set up the tasting I attended for Rioja wines (also at the Astor Center) about a month ago.

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.  But it wasn't all perfect. 

was particularly shocked by the wines made of Syrah as the overt oak influence killed off all of its glorious varietal character. Please sit back and enjoy a bottle of our 2005 Barry Bonds Estate Cabernet. Now, what could make the fellow happier? Commentary to follow. Feel free not to wait. Signed.one of the terroir jihadist. Sheesh.

Zinfandel is a very common varietal in Sonoma county and I tried 2 Zins at Sausal; the 2004 Family Zinfandel & the 2005 Private reserve Zin. 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. Great stuff!

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.

Lohr Estates Seven Oaks Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 This Cabernet Sauvignon from Paso Robles, California is made from 79% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Petite Sirah, 5% Syrah, 4% Petit Verdot, 4% Merlot and 1% Malbec- quite an intense mix, but it works. Chateau Grand Moulin 2005 France This red wine from France is a blend of Syrah and Grenache grapes.

wine I really loved and found quite unique was the 2005 Domaine de Roally Vire'-Clesse' from the Macconnais, France. tasted 4 of them; a 2005 from grapes with botrytis (a desirable mold that when properly managed leads to long lived sweet wines), and 3 Vouvray. Interestingly enough, they make a 100% grenache wine called the (2005) St.

don't usually go to tastings like this, especially if they're outside of New York City, because they're too expensive, but I made an exception for this event to get a chance to catch up a little with Eric Baugher, winemaker at Ridge, who was pouring the 2005, 2006, and 2007 Monte Bellos. traveled down to Wasihngton D.C. French wines! Awesome.

This red wine from France is a blend of Syrah and Grenache grapes. Color is clear dark garnet red with cherries, ripe fruit and tar on the nose. Palate has black cherry and white pepper undertones and moderate tannin. It is paired well with warm gruyere gougeres. Not bad by the glass for $9

An old vine field blend containing zinfandel, petit sirah, alicante boushet, carignane, trousseau, sangiovese, petit boushet, negrette, syrah, muscat noir, cinsault, and grenache. Another gem suggested by Eric Baugher. Medium ruby with a slight shine on it. Spicy nose mixed with stewed plum and herbs.sage note? This is worth investigating

2005 Clos Siguier Cahors , $12. 2005 Blandine Chauchat Coteaux de Languedoc Pic Saint-Loup Les Tonilli è res , $17. This is a blend of Carignan, Syrah, and Grenache. 2005 Comptoirs de Magdala Côtes de Provence Escapade , $16. You know what this means? This is important, as the dollar buys less and less wine these days.

Put me at a table with this dish and a bottle of Pont de Crillon 2005 Pont de Crillon Les Chais de Pont de Crillon Cote Du Rhone and I am a happy wine geek. This beautiful Syrah is one of the most subtle and integrated Rhones I have had yet. Keith also writes a blog called East Village Wine Geek. Lamb, Baby! OOOHHHH WEEEE! No pressure.

couldn't bring myself to splurge yet on Syrah or on Italian or German wines. Back in January I lamented my past wine splurge results. Many of you commented with excellent suggestions, some of which I wound up using for Splurge 2007. Yeah, just like the NY State legislature, my budget comes out later than it's supposed to. More like $550.

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. They had 3 wines at the tasting yesterday and one that stood out as unusual was their 2005 Gilad Reserve. Come on Wine Tasting Guy, give us something unusual.

You will find both 2005 & 2006 vintages in stock. The 2005 is selling for $12.50 have found 2003 -2005 in stores ranging in price from about $ 13.50 kosherwine.com says their 2005 is sold out and I did not see the 2005 elsewhere. Also from Yarden is their Syrah and Pinot Noir. The Dalton Canaan Red.

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. based on prices it was actually the cheapest of their 3 Pinots, the 2005 Etude "Temblor" Pinot Noir. Great stuff. really enjoyed it.

The blend is mostly Nero d'Avola with Merlot and Syrah. Italy • This purple/ruby medium weight red wine from Sicily has a unique freshness. There are aromas that jump out at you like raspberry, green olives with notes of prunes and toasted cocoa. It has fresh tannins and even acidity

• 2004 Cayalla RTW (A nice and elegant full bodied blend of Cab Merlot and Syrah) • 2004 Gravity Hills Syrah (Cali wine reminiscent of the famous Chateauneuf De Pape of Provence) • Bookwalter Red Lot 21 (A wine with multiple vintages. March is here and with the way this winter has been going.well.I This one is very refreshing.

Petit Sirah is also known as Durif (a French varietal and said to be a cross between Peloursin & Syrah). for the 2005 Guenoc Lake County Petite Sirah , which as the email advertisement states "was judged California's Best Petite Sirah at the 2007 California State Fair" for whatever that is worth. As to the deal, it is priced at $8.67

The line up was: Welcome White: 2005 Cascina degli Ulivi Filagnotti (Gavi, Piemonte)--comments? 2- 2005 Fontedicto Pirouette #5 $15 Grapes: Carignan Languedoc, France (for some reason, this one, which was rich and sunny and fruit forward wasnt a smash hit. Flight Two: All Syrah all the Time 2005 Edmunds St. Many thanks!

2005 Ridge Vineyards Dusi Ranch Zinfandel ATP Selection * Good deep plum color turning ruby at the rim. 2001 Ridge Vineyards Lytton Springs Grenache/Syrah ** Deep purple color; humungous nose, spicy black pepper but still whopping purple fruits inside. Welcome to SLAKED ! my wine tasting journal. Lots of chocolate covered chilis.

The base of most however is Grenache, often blended with Mourvedre, Syrah, & Cinsault. At that tasting we tasted through some 2004's and 2005's. The simple explanation was that the 2006 vintage was a much more approachable vintage that the 2005 vintage. This was not one of those HUGE industry tastings. quick note about CDP.

What is definite though is that in the late 1800's and early 1900's Argentina saw a huge influx of European immigrants settle on their land bringing with them all kinds of vitis vinifera rootstocks, from Barbera to Chardonnay and from Syrah to Cot or Malbec. It is the 2005 Casa Marguery malbec from Mendoza. The answer is yes we do.

Mostly Carignan, with some Grenache and Syrah thrown in, the 2005 Domaine des 2 Anes Corbieres Fontanilles was smooth and supple, ripe and complex. 100% Syrah, it is a Vins de Pays de L'Ardeche, a country wine from the hilly region in the middle of the Rhone Valley, sort of bisecting it into Northern and Southern Rhone.

Washington wines have not made any kind of inroads in my cellar for two reasons: 1) they are mostly Bordeaux blends (there is plenty of Syrah and all sorts of other stuff too - I said "mostly"), not wines that I drink very often, and 2) prices are pretty high, even for the entry level wines. Primehouse New York hosted the event.

The wine we are offering is a 2005 cabernet sauvignon from Quinta de Viluco from the Maipo Valley named after the river that runs through the Andes Mountains to the Pacific. 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. Can you tell?

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.

2005 Francois Cazin Cour-Cheverny Vendanges Manuelles , $13.50 (Chambers Street Wines). 2005 Champalou Vouvray , $16 ( Big Nose Full Body ). very much enjoyed the crystalline and incredibly drinkable 2004 Vouvray, so how would the "vintage to end all vintages" 2005 be? I'm not taking sides in the rose debate. prefer the 04.