The blanc de blancs grand cru [cuvée 2008] has depth and minerality, a stony core that pleasantly lingers. The 2008 Barbarescos are delectable treats. 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.

That was made clear by how she talked about Anyela's and what had been accomplished since their opening in 2008. Then again, 2010 was a very good year for the FLX Rieslings and Finger Lakes white wines, but today I was interested in the red wines offered by Anyela's especially their 2008 Cab Franc. Entrance sign off W. Lake Rd.

Basically, I found that this dish would pair well with just about any red wine and even a few white wines, but they all seemed to agree on Zinfandel, Syrah or Malbec. Sometimes Shirley just picks the wrong time to do one of her signature dishes. Tonight it was her Southern style BBQ pork ribs. quick check of my wine supply found neither.

2008 Mas des Dams La Dame AOC Languedoc (18.00). This is a Syrah/Grenach blend  with lots of garrigue, black and white pepper, and an intense minerality. Syrah Grenache once again, a deep intensity of stones, lots of concentration. very successful first day. I will try. Very spicy and dramatic and filled with a sense of place.

From the French AOP of Languedoc, here is a blend of Carignan, Grenache Noir, Syrah, and Cinsault. Full bodied red, deep garnet colors, with aromas of dark fruit, blackberry, raspberry and spices, and some barnyard, dry on the tongue with medium plus tannins, more spice hints and a decent finish. SRP $10 and 12% alcohol.

Christian Seely led a very interesting test, in which we tasted two groups of base wine: Group 1 was 2008 Merlot, and Group 2 was Cabernet Franc. Grapes planted include Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre, and Carignan. “A French insurance company owns a Chateau?” the woman’s voice says, incredulous. Sunday: Dinner in a Chateau. The Cellar.

Dino Torti Forza Inter Pino Nero Oltrepo Pavese 2008 Italy Also soft pressed, complex aromas of almonds, fruits and flowers, flavors of nutty, apple and pear, dry but satisfying. I'd like to thank Kristen and her good friends for helping me taste this flight of wine picks for Thanksgiving. Great deal at $10. Nice long layered finish. SRP $40.

Clairette and Ugni blanc have become the dominate grape varieties with some smaller plantings of Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, Mouvedre and Syrah. blend of 40% Grenache, 25% Cinsault, 15% Carignan, 10% Syrah, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon Aromas are still kinky. Wine from Algeria! Who would'a thunk. Uh Oh, where's the grapes?

The cheese course, featuring Roncal with compressed fennel and apricot membrillo, was paired with three more reds, and all three were favorites: La Forge, Corbieres-Boutenac AOP 2008, Le Viala, Minevois La Liviniere 2007, and L'Hospitalaitas, Coteaux du Languedoc La Clape AOP 2008. almost dainty. All three fabulous wines.

This is a tiny town in the Northern Rhone, famous for its red wine made from Syrah and white from Viognier. liked the Cote du Ventoux Rouge 2009 (60% syrah, 30% grenache, 20% others) with its blueberry flavors, yet went wild for the white Muscat d Beaumes de Venise 2008. Imagine yourself in Ampuis in 1781.

Tensley Wines 2009 Vineyard Syrah - opaque purple, on the nose intense minerality, On the palate, cool mint, intense earth and minerals, rich concentrated fruit, with finish of very intense earth and fruit. Tensley Wines 2009 Tierra Alta Vineyard Syrah - wind driven terroir with clay calcarious soil, "easiest drinking" wine according to Joey.

Michel also brought a "GSM" - grenache, syrah, mouvedre (Chateau de Nages 2009 Costieres de Nimes, Chaeau de Nage Vielles Vignes, Rouge) with minimum oak yet a spicey nose of concentrated red grapes. He brought two red wines, with the first being Domaine Alain Voge 2008 Cotes du Rhone Les Peyrouses. 100% Syrah.

After a few beer nights, I finally was able to open, taste and drink two remaining red wines I have received from Cinnabar Winery; the 2008 Sextant Vineyards Syrah and the 2006 Santa Cruz Mountains Cabernet Sauvignon. We did the Syrah first with a light dinner of breaded chicken fingers with a mix of steak and sweet potato fries.

Unlike the Cote Rotie, where producers can add up to twenty percent Syrah to soften the grapes, most of the Syrah was pure. It was very surprising to see the drastic difference between the 2008 and the 2009, with the 2009 being the better vintage. The 'easiest'' day wast he first, as there was only one fair. News discover rhon

2008 Wilson Winery Zinfandel. 2007 Dierberg Syrah Estate Grown Santa Ynez Valley (USA, California, Central Coast, Santa Ynez Valley). This week I've tasted some excellent wines! 2006 Wilson Cabernet Sauvignon. USA, California, Sonoma County, Dry Creek Valley). color - purple, medium intensity, med trans. finish length is med+.

One, the Carmenere, has been disappointing, but the Zinfandel, Syrah and the Peitie Sirah have joined the list of my favorites. Best White wine - Atwater Estate Vineyards Riesling 2008. The 2008 Atwater was what I brought to our Thanksgiving dinner. Here at home, I guess eventful would be saying it a tad mildly. Marvelous Wine!

Mazzocco Sonoma Petite Syrah Aguilera 2007. Wilson Zinfandel 2008 Dry Creek. Blackstone Sonoma Reserve Pinot Noir 2009. With its velvet texture, nose of well sorted fresh grapes, and fresh flavors, this is a well balanced New World Pinot that can match many foods, especially salmon, pork, rare duck. Macari Sauvignon Blanc 2009.

Only a floor sommelier can tell you which is easier, yet one of the things I like best about Aldo Sohm, head sommelier at Le Bernardin who was named Best Sommelier in the World 2008 , is that he is very good at both. It was a young wine with elegant flavors and a good pairing for braised meats. hope to visit them in the Languedoc this summer!

had the good fortune recently to receive a case of 2008 wines and must say all are of exceptional quality for the price. Lohr 2008 Merlot from Paso Robles: This is an easy drinking style of wine that would pair perfectly with grilled salmon or pork, with very cleanly defined black fruit and bright elements of spearmint.

Ruca Malen 2008 was a favorite, very dark and well balanced, with well integrated oak, finesse, and notes of chocolate and slight spice. Ruca Malen Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 was delicious, typical of the region, with cassis, black current, and some chocolate. One day a woman looked up and saw this god, and they fell madly in love.

Domain de Mourchon Seguret Loubie (Rose) 2007 Having a Cote du Rhone designation, this Loubie Rose blend of Cinsault, Grenache and Syrah comes from 40 year old estate grown vines. Flavor: broad and fresh; the characteristic fruity aromas of the bouquet come through with complexity and end with a clean finish.

Melini San Lorenzo Fattorie Melini Chianto DOCG 2008 85% Sangiovese Grosso with 15% Canaiolo, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, aged in stainless steel 4-5 months, raspberries and cassis with floral waves of violets, forest floor. Violet, ripe cherries, coffee, cocoa, mint with floral finish.

Christian Seely led a very interesting test, in which we tasted two groups of base wine: Group 1 was 2008 Merlot, and Group 2 was Cabernet Franc. Grapes planted include Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre, and Carignan. “A French insurance company owns a Chateau?&# the woman’s voice says, incredulous. Sunday: Dinner in a Chateau.

would have pulled out a nice Gewurztraminer if I had one, but settled for a Fontana Candida Frascati Superiore DOC 2008. 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. Here the grapes for Frascati are grown.

… So I just had a fabulous lunch at Avra in NYC with Nicolas Miller, whose family owns the Bien Nacido brand (Pinot Noir and Syrah) and Solomon Hills brand (Chardonnay) in Santa Maria, California. am here to taste the Bien Nacido brand of Pinot Noir and Syrah, as well as their new 2008 Solomon Hills Chardonnay. Salute!

Stoney Lonsesome Estates 2008 Reserve. 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. What I do know is that she cooked skinless chicken breast in apple juice with oyster mushrooms, slices of gala apples and diced mint fresh from the 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.

Here is a fine Napa blend of 46% Zinfandel, 26% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Syrah, 10% Petite Sirah, 2% Charbono, and 1% Grenache. Deep violet colors in the glass, spreading to a garnet outer ring, with aromas of red berry and ripe black cherry and wafts of smoke. Robert Parker: 90 pts Wine Spectator: 92 pts Retails: $35

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.

A blend of Mourvedre, Grenache and Syrah make up this subtle and simple everyday red wine from the Cotes du Ventoux region of France. Tags: France Syrah Andre Goichot Grenache Mourvedre Cotes Du Ventoux Medium to light weight with cloudy rose colors and aromas of cherries and stone.

also tasted and brought home a 2008 Gewurztraminer. As I am writing this post I am sipping on a 2008 RNC dry Riesling, one of a few now in my cooler. Filled up with a few whites and also picked up one Atwater Estates Syrah. know today was a Riesling day, but I can never pass by an Atwater Syrah without picking up at least one.

This week I decided to open a dry and semi-dry from the same winery to compare and I chose one of the nicest Rieslings so far; Chateau Lafayette Reneau 2008. 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. Why, I'm not sure. Truly enjoyable.

From Chile's Rapel Valley, comes this blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Syrah, 5% Carmenere, and 2% Cabernet Franc, 68% of which was aged for 7 months in French oak barrels, while 32% was aged in stainless steel tanks, before bottle aging. 2008 Winner of Wine Enthusiast's New World Winery Purchased on line for $13 from WineExpress.

Park Avenue Spring was a wonderful venue to showcase the wines - a creamy 2008 Chardonnay with a long crisp finish that paired well with the oyster, refreshing 2008 Sauvignon Blanc (tank-fermented and aged in neutral French Oak barrels), 2004 Pinot Noir (everyone's favorite!) "So what did the first winery look like?"

My choice for the evening was a 2008 semi-dry Riesling( $14 ) from the Long Point Winery. 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. All from the Seneca Lake wineries.

The first one I opened was the Zugibe semi-dry 2008( $14 ). 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. Evan is passionate about Finger Lakes wines and authors some of the most interesting articles on the subject.

By contrast, the acidity is higher in the 2008 with sharper, more angular flavors of juicier, firmer red apples dipped in melted butter, and a finish that is long-lasting yet also seems to speak of the terroir. Now I really liked the 2007 Fess Parker Syrah, a new offering. Acidity is medium and the finish is long and rich.

The two wines we tasted were the 2008 Riesling and the 2008 'dry' Riesling. 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. Brotherhood also happens to be America's oldest winery. Enough history.

was able to try many of their wines, with all of them scoring high points and my favorites being the 2007 Syrah, both the Rusack Syrah with incredible smoke, fig, licorice and fig, and the 2007 Syrah Reserve, with more concentration, complexity of flavor, and judicious wood influence.

The 2008 Red Tail Ridge semi-dry Riesling was suggested by my sister-in-law. 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. Sound good? What else is better!

Perhaps in an attempt to relive some of the recent glory of Northern Rhône Syrah with steak , I opened a 2008 Pierre Gonon Vin de Pays de l'Ardèche Les Iles Feray , $17, Imported by Fruit of the Vines, Inc. Our spring this year skipped over the typical two weeks of mid 60's weather and seems to have jumped straight to high 70's.

Lot 159 Santa Barbara Chardonnay 2008: new release $14 Musky aromas, citrus, creamy oak. Lot 135 Central Coast Syrah 2007 $12 Animal, bright fruits, dark berries, strawberries, red licorice. Cameron Hughes is a Negociant in the wine world, delivering small "Lots" of high-end wines at very affordable prices. My favorite of the group.

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. 2008 Comptoirs de Magdala Vin de Pays du Mont Caume La Chance , $17, Jenny & François Selections - this wine kindly donated by Jenny & François for this tasting. Aren't they? 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.

Clovis Point 2007 Archaeology 56% Merlot, 21% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Cabernet Franc, 6% Petit Verdot, 6% Syrah, whew! know I’m partial to reds, so I tried the Wölffer Estates 2008 Grandioso Rosé Bouquet of peaches, honeysuckle, flavors of pears, kiwi, mineral, grapefruit rind, reminding me that Spring is Here million per year.

Tonight I uncorked another Carmenere from Concha y Toro , the Casillero del Diablo 2008 Reserve. 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. I'm still not sold on Carmenere.

The 2008 Antica Terra / * to be released to the mailing list next week, is vibrant and glossy in the glass, the color of dessicated roses, that reminded me of Middle School romances and Rilke, of notes scribbled furiously in journals and hidden under pillows. The 2008 Botanica / * -- a barrel selection -- is more concentrated. spice?)

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.

The tasting room is located in an 1850s farmhouse and the wine is the Cline Cellars Cashmere 2008. Cline Cellars is a national sponsor of the event and contributes $25,000 from the proceeds of 2008 Cashmere sales. Cashmere is a silky and wonderful blend of Mourvèdre, Grenache, and Syrah. Here's what I learned.

Stay tuned there will be more on her, but let me tell you, her 2008 blend La Gramiere is elegant and delicious and love the dash of dry wild forest honey. I have no idea how these guys do it. Vignerons working on their feet pouring wines on a marathon, La Remise, Millesime Bio, then the Dive. and she drove me. Great fun.

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.

The blog started out in 2008 only as fun thing to do and to give my new wine affiliate web site it's first link. When I made my first Finger Lakes wine tour in 2008, I went expecting to taste only white wines. One of the highlights of this year was barrel tasting, at Amy Cheatles persistence, the Damiani Syrah.

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.

It was at Atwater that I found the best wine of the day, the 2007 Syrah. fabulous swedish style meat ball over egg noodles was served with the Anthony Road 2008 semi-sweet Riesling. Always nice to return to the Finger Lakes with Shirley and friends for a day of wine tasting and stocking up the wine fridge for the holidays.

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.

But as cheap 2008 Bordeaux threatens to flood our shores, I am eager to defend American producers in difficult times. had thought that, after Bordeaux released 2008 prices at up to 40% off 2007, our own Cult Wine producers would give us a break. Flights are delayed. Market volatility remains high. just can’t bring myself to do it.

2008 Grosset Wines Polish Hill Riesling, Clare Valley. 2006 Clarendon Hills Astralis Vineyard Shiraz (Syrah), McLaren Vale. 1996 Clarendon Hills Astralis Vineyard Shiraz (Syrah), McLaren Vale. 2008 Tahbilk Marsanne, Nagambie Lakes, Goulburn Valley. Disgorged 2008 Rockford Sparkling Black Shiraz, Barossa Valley.

In the spring of 2008 I learned that the winemaking prodigy behind Pax Wine Cellars, monsieur Pax Mahle, was leaving the eponymously named venture and striking out on his own, once again. Wind Gap is the culmination of all we have learned from working so diligently with Syrah." Rumor had it that disagreements with co-owner(?)

Here are the rosés I've had at home so far this spring, some great, some not as great: 2008 Commanderie de Peyrassol Côtes de Provence Rosé , $14, Rosenthal Imports. 2008 Domaine de la Sauveuse Cuvée Carolle Côtes de Provence Rosé , $14, Imported by Vintage Trading Inc. 40% Syrah, 30% each Grenache and Cinsault.

The 2008 Monte Bello will (probably) be made from just cabernet sauvignon and merlot for the first time in twenty-five years. From barrel, we also tasted the 2008 Geyserville Tightly wound, young, but still elegant, with spice and cedar and tight red fruits. would hate to see the end of Ridge's syrah and grenache program.

He grows hot climate grapes like Syrah, Marsanne, and Roussanne in the Santa Ynez Valley of California, where it is dry and hot, plain and simple. Changes are coming, as one source lost their 2008 crop to frost, another decided to keep their fruit, and Qupé has new vines in Edna Valley. know, it's a California wine! Then I saw "12.5%

The 2008 Albarino ** from an estate vineyard in Soledad was tight and racy. 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. Tags: 2004 2 stars USA Central California 2006 3 stars 1 star 2005 Good Value 2003 2007 2008

But his biggest experiment is with his 2008 wine called Le Cigare Volant, a blend of Grenache, Mourvedre and Syrah. Randall Grahm is one of America’s most fascinating winemakers and winery owners. Puns and cute labels helped make the wines fun and approachable. But Grahm has had a change of heart. Absolutely. Bonny Doon Vineyard.

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.

So my relatives were the latest involuntary recruits in my effort to find the best box wines of 2008. I’ve poured this wine, introduced for the first time in 2008 , many times to groups this year, often blind and from a decanter, and it has been almost universally praised. “Merry Christmas!&# Season’s greetings!

home : wine recommendations : wine girl for hire : bio : articles : contact « Salvation and the Plight of a Wine Writer | Main | Notes on a Los Angeles Wine Scene » Abe Schoener on Temperature Control December 20, 2008 Is Abe Schoener the most polarizing winemaker in the states? think so. But they are worth debating. Absolutely.

Syrah, Grenache, Mourvedre, Carignan, Cinsaut, these are the most popular grapes of Southern France and vignerons (French winemakers) play around with them in the cellars to create their own identities. Ah, the Holidays. New York is full of festivities and gatherings and friends and family. Speaking of the perfect gift what about wine.

If you're into California Cult wines, then you might want to know when they come out, and how much they will cost, but there is no comprehensive release schedule for these wines -- anywhere -- and the cults themselves are the last people to ask. You aren't alone. This list is by no means complete, and it may very well be inaccurate.

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. alcohol content.

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

Loup blend of Syrah (55%), Grenache (35%) and Mourvedre (10%), it's produced by the firm Ravaille Freres." I have two Italian and two French reds on the table tonight. This first wine was so good it deserves its own title, but seeing as how this was part of the Under $25 Crowd installment, it must be featured here. Check him out. Cheers

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. 2008 photo by Dave Trieger Il Borro is part of a stable of wines brought forth by Salvatore Ferragamo, whose grandfather built the famous footwear brand.

We brought the wine, which included a Taittinger brut nonvintage champagne ( find this wine ), a magnum of Marcel Lapierre Morgon 2007 ( find this wine ), and a bottle of the (in)famous Palin syrah ( find this wine ). The Palin syrah was horribly corked, not much different than the erstwhile veep candidate.

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. We like to end the class in style: a giant edition of show and tell and taste.

If you want to see sweet and dry in action, try tasting these two Leitz wines or a Northern Rhone syrah against a ripe, sweet version of the same grape from somewhere in the New World (but not all are ripe and sweet Sweet wines generally start at about 45 grams of residual sugar (RS). What’s the opposite of sweet? need water!&#

Could it be that I'm just not a big fan of Syrah? I recently participated in the Wine & Spirits Northern Rhône tasting panel. Blind tasting 12 flights totaling 39 wines, 13 producers, and lots of discussion with a panel of articulate and experienced people. Most of the reds were just too enormous for me. Where was Dard et Ribo???

Wednesday, November 12, 2008, NYC. Chamarre slightly twists the concept with a blend of 55% Merlot and 45% Syrah from different regions of France. The first official bottles were delivered to the event by horse and carriage in commemoration of the old tradition for Beaujolais Nouveau.

really liked his ‘06 Saint Joseph, “Les Serrines,&# which is made from small berry Syrah and has great aromas of tar and black olives on the nose. How was the 2008 vintage for you? But 2008 was a very late harvest. find this wine ). Condrieu (and Saint Joseph for reds). New oak, good or bad? percent.

Clairette de Bellegarde 2006 apricot, white flower and an edge of a finish Costieres de-Nimes Rouge Marginal 2007 True syrah for the northern rhone syrah nut, except its from further south and has that southern richness. But here you go--here is the listing of LOVE Laurent Barth 2006s Love the pinot noir and the pinot gris. FINALLY!

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."

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. 

Audrey, reading Wine Spectator in Lake Tahoe, Spring 2008) So it was with glee and trepidation that I ordered one ticket for the California Wine Experience at the Marriot in NYC - but mostly glee. is a 100% syrah from Walla Walla, Washington State. I have a love/hate relationship with Wine Spectator. love their events. Very fine.

We were playing with 3 varietals - Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah & Sangiovese.  Has it only been a week?  Time does fly when you are having fun, but I have been doing SO MUCH running around that I can't believe I have only been in Israel for 1 week so far (OK, 9 days).  I have 6 days left, but I know that will fly.  Can't wait!

of Syrah was very interesting.  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.  A wonderful woman and great cook it is always a nice shabbat when spent with her and her family.  Emillion Grand Cru.  Chateau Latour. 

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

A very well made yet restrained wine, the Cab Franc is much lighter in body than most Cabs, Merlots, or Syrahs, and is a great choice for your lighter holiday meals as the wine will not overpower the food as might be the case with the bigger bodied wines. I'm sorry for the delay in writing this post.  Let's start with Carmel. 

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. For others, it is a pleasurable and challenging experience.