Red wine varietals that tend to benefit from a good bit of oak include: Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinotage, Chianti, Zinfandel, Nebbiolo, Tempranillo and Syrah. Oak is utilized somewhat like a “seasoning” to add flavor and palate appeal to a wine. Which Wines are Typically Oaked? Why Oak Wine? Where is the barrel from? MORE >>

2006 Clarendon Hills Astralis Vineyard Shiraz (Syrah), McLaren Vale. 1996 Clarendon Hills Astralis Vineyard Shiraz (Syrah), McLaren Vale. 2007 Gemtree Vineyards Bloodstone Tempranillo, McLaren Vale. 2008 Sutton Grange Winery Fairbank Rosé Syrah/Cabernet/Merlot, Bendigo. 2002 Castagna Genesis Syrah, Beechworth. MORE >>

One of my favorites was the Leese-Fitch Cab and here are some tasting notes: I know the label says Cabernet Sauvignon, in reality what you get is an amazing blend of 86% Cabernet Sauvignon from Paso Robles, 5% Syrah from River Junction, 5% Tempranillo from Moneterey, with Lodi contributing the 2% Alicante Bouchet, and 2% Petite Sirah. MORE >>

1- 1999 Lopez de Heredia Bosconia $28 Grapes: Tempranillo Garnacho, Mazuelo and Graciano Rioja, Spain (wasnt showing particularly well, however, I was happy with is lots of folk identified spice and dill.) Flight Two: All Syrah all the Time 2005 Edmunds St. What I was in charge of? Enlisting Melissa Clark for the food. Many thanks! MORE >>

mix of tempranillo and garanacha, it is berry, bramble, blueberry, with a bit of compelling dirt and twig and grit. 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. MORE >>