Filgueira winery … Alan and Sebastian show us around the winery and introduce their wine, which is now owned by a Brazilian company. Cabernet Franc Syrah 2011 (60% CF, 40% Syrah unoaked). liked all the wines, especially the high end reds. Great property and quality across the line. Sauvignon Gris 2011. Long crisp finish. 

The winery was started in 2000 by Paula Pivel, who worked for Citibank, and Alvaro Lorenzo. As the winery is located near the trendy resort town of Punta del Este, they have a study source of visitors. You will find Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Syrah, and Vigonier here along with Tannat. When you are in the area you must visit.

And there happens to be only one winery on that lake. So, it was a very short tour, but a very enjoyable day and I got to taste some very nice wines from one of the youngest wineries in the Finger Lakes. The 2007 Sync and an outstanding 2008 blend of Cab Franc, Pinot Noir, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon called Overlay Verse 4.

The Winery. new winery has been constructed and we will see it later that afternoon. Grapes planted include Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre, and Carignan. Visiting the New Winery. We visit the new winery and I, for one, am very impressed. Christian Seely just posted a video of blending at Mas Belles Eaux. The Vineyards.

"My great-grandmother was famous for being a harsh negotiator," Gaia Gaja tells me, telling a cute story about her great-grandmother and her marketplace shopping habits, which explains the name of the winery which means "endless negotiations" in Italian. The winery is located just down the road from Ornellaia, purchased finally in 1996.

Good Sauvignon Blanc plus Merlot 09 and Syrah 09. The SB has a tangerine note, Napa Valley News american harvest weekend cakebread winery symposium for professional journalistsVery interesting seminar at the Symposium for Professional Wine Writers -- a "bean tasting" with various wines from Cakebread!

Azienda Agricola d'Alessandro is a winery located near the ancient southern Sicilian seaside town of Agrigento, renowned during the golden age of Ancient Greece. D'ALESSANDRO NERO D'AVOLA/SYRAH 2007. adore Sicilian wine and my crystal ball tells me that this will be the wine of the decade. D'ALESSANDRO INZOLIA 2009. About the Chefs.

after the first hour of history (quite tumultuous and violent) approached the 1930s, when the first AOCs were created, and learned it was partly because winemakers, winemaking families, and winery workers were revolting against unfair practices. Syrah Grenache once again, a deep intensity of stones, lots of concentration. I will try.

Best Rosé - Every visit I made to a Finger Lakes winery this past year, I tasted a dry Rosé, brought quite a few home and enjoyed each and every one. blend of 40% Grenache, 25% Cinsault, 15% Carignan, 10% Syrah, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. hope to be tasting some new varieties, visiting more wineries and just enjoying more great wine.

The evening was filled with a presentation in the tasting room of the Gerard Bertrand winery, where energetic young winemaker Jean-Baptiste led a tutored tasting of the company’s many wines. Afterward, we had a group dinner in the elegant restaurant of the Bertrand winery. Lunch followed with the winemakers and their wines. Voila!

Africa, famous for the whales, shark diving, and increasingly wineries. As is the case I’ve found in many top wineries, Anthony pinpointed the particular portions of the 52 hectare estate that produce the best cultivar and today only these particular sections grow Hamilton-Russell grapes. Hamilton Russell is just one of the two S.

Two wineries being neighborly!”. Glen Carlou and Backsberg are neighboring wineries in Paarl who kindly hosted me for a tasting of both wines, then lunch at Backsberg’s lovely al fresco restaurant. The Backsberg winery has 110 ha under vineyard and additional satellite vineyards in two other areas. Backsberg Winery Website.

This Syrah is absolutely incredible!”. Given the incredible backdrop described above, you might expect that the Syrah served to a guest would be elegant and balanced. The Syrah, which just won accolades from Wine Spectator magazine, is about $15 in the American market and produced right on this fabulous estate. News S.

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. He was exacting in the vineyards and intelligent in the winery. think it's interesting to think about that.

Today the French insurance company AXA owns several wineries which produce the world’s most exquisite wine, such as Chateau Pichon Longueville, Chateau Suduiraut, Chateau Petit-Village, Chateau Belles Eaux, and two other properties outside France, Disznoko in Tokai and Quinta do Noval in Portugal. The Winery. Visiting the New Winery.

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. SRP $40.

The 2009 Syrah (99% Syrah, 1% Viognier) is selected from old vines, hand picked, de-stemmed, and tipped directly into a five tonne open top vat. New Zealand News Winemaking Yeast chardonnay cognanc one new zealand sauvignon blanc syrah te awaliked the 2009 Chardonnay , which is from Hawkes Bay. Quite delicious!

and what's really interesting is that "Old World" wineries are seeking out these regions, and often, the wine produced is a blend of what is best of the Old and New World. It is planted with a majority of Malbec and some Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Petit Verdot as well as Chardonnay and Viognier that will be used for futurewines.

2006 Alban Vineyards "Reva" Estate Syrah * This 16.2% alcohol syrah from Edna Valley is just a monster. 2009 Stags' Leap Winery Napa Valley Chardonnay ** Tangy and citrusy at first with apple and wood smoke notes as well. Our patch of sauvignon blanc from Wilson Ranch, just north of St. We are currently estimating about 2-2.5

With as much land under vine as the countries of Germany and South Africa, Algeria continues to maintain a wine industry with over 70 wineries in operation. Clairette and Ugni blanc have become the dominate grape varieties with some smaller plantings of Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, Mouvedre and Syrah. Wine from Algeria!

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.

For now, let's just say that the entire winery offers brands revolving around a postman theme, which range from young, easy drinking reds and whites to complex, concentrated Cabernet Savignons, Bordeaux-style blends, and Shiraz. Is it true the postman always rings twice? Have you.,,, er, gone postal lately? like the Pillar Box Reserve Shiraz.

Founded in 1781, Vidal Fleury is the Rhône Valley’s oldest continuously operating winery, and actually hosted President Thomas Jefferson in 1787 when visited France to learn about winemaking. Just what is it about Rosé wine that brings out the joy of summer? Rosé wine is just what you need to bring a little St. Great with salads and fish.

This is a tiny town in the Northern Rhone, famous for its red wine made from Syrah and white from Viognier. Today this is the Rhone valley's continuously operating winery. 25 million recently was invested in Vidal-Fleury, used to renew the winery and optimize aging, bottling, and maturation. Imagine yourself in Ampuis in 1781.

The pair showed gorgeous pictures of their winery overlooking the sea. He is fourth generation from his winery. He grows Carignan, Syrah, Mouvedre and Grenache. 80%grenach and 20% syrah from shale. The last wine is 2007 Les Trois Maries with 80% grenache, and 20% syrah from granite soil. Elise says. years.

The first panelist was Michel Gassier from Chateau de Nages (Costieres de Nimes) who is French born, yet lived in America for many years, working as an engineer and marrying an American woman, before deciding to go back and work with his father at the family 4th generation winery. 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.

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. Often a winemaker will stagger new barrels into the process to keep costs for the winery and the consumer more reasonable. Which Wines are Typically Oaked?

Chapoutier, as I toured their winery and vineyards this past summer with Jeremy Steimer as my guild - I may see him at the party tonight in Hermitage. Also, a vertical tasting of both viognier and syrah with the ten year old wines holding up fabulously. The wines this first day are from Cote-Rotie and Condrieu. textier. Next was E.

The Krausz family purchased the property in the late 1980s as a vacation home, and in the fullness of time, discovered its value as a winery. Beyond the Sauvignon Blanc which is also distinctive by its bottle (designed to capture the 1855 Bordeaux bottle with its deep punt), the winery makes excellent Cabernet Sauvignon and also Syrah.

2008 Wilson Winery Zinfandel. 2007 Wilson Winery Petite Sirah. 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). Enjoy with a well grilled steak.

One, the Carmenere, has been disappointing, but the Zinfandel, Syrah and the Peitie Sirah have joined the list of my favorites. I'm usually wary when wineries give their wines a funky or even classical type name instead of just labeling it 'meritage.' Here at home, I guess eventful would be saying it a tad mildly. Marvelous Wine!

When you visit “wine country&# just outside Mendoza, Argentina, one of the best restaurants in terms of a gorgeous view, fabulous wine, and food can be found at the Ruca Malen winery. Ruca Malen is one of the most well known wineries in Argentina, and you can find their wines on virtually every menu in Buenos Aires.

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. 11 Rosaenovae Irpinia Terradora DiPaolo DOC 2009 Paolo Mastroberardino owns this winery formerly shared by brothers.

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. One can surmise that for the majority of the wineries, their biggest concern was creating awareness for wines from Lisbon. Alorna.

The Winery. new winery has been constructed and we will see it later that afternoon. Grapes planted include Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre, and Carignan. Visiting the New Winery. We visit the new winery and I, for one, am very impressed. Visiting Mas Belles Eaux. The Vineyards. mas grapes. bunches remain. The Tasting.

Today the French insurance company AXA owns several wineries which produce the world’s most exquisite wine, such as Chateau Pichon Longueville, Chateau Suduiraut, Chateau Petit-Village, Chateau Belles Eaux, and two other properties outside France, Disznoko in Tokai and Quinta do Noval in Portugal. The Winery. The Control Room.

Judit is the winemaker for Morlanda & Fra Guerau wineries located in the world-famous Denominacion de Origen Calificada (DOC) in Priorat, Spain. The modern winery was built in 1997, though the vieyards that surround it are much older. The sun is hot and within the hour the pickers go down to the winery to have their mid-day meal.

First, I do not understand the fact that Shirley had to visit five wine shops in the Tribeca and Soho areas of Manhattan before finding any wines from Long Island and the two that she brought home where from two different wineries owned by the same family. finished Regional Wine Week with one of my favorites, an Atwater Estate Vineyard Syrah.

Later it was Chianti, then Merlot and Syrah and now entering the picture is Malbec. Today, the wines of Don Miguel Gascón are crafted in the City of Mendoza at the same winery that was built by the Spanish visionary whose name bears it. In certain times, certain wines become a fad. For that price this wine is incredible.

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.

… 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!

My second choice was a 375ml bottle of white Merlot that was given to me by winery owner Dave Mansfield when I visited his Three Brothers Winery in May. Our visit to the winery just happened to be the same day that the white Merlot was being bottled. The white Merlot has been released and can be purchased at the winery for $17.

Treleaven Meritage 2007 produced and bottled by King Ferry Winery in King Ferry NY was exactly what was needed for the steak. King Ferry Winery was founded in 1984. The winery now produces approximately 10,000 cases of wine per year. was also out of bed early enough to tag along, which is unusual.

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.

He greets us at the very long driveway of his estate, which includes a winery producing upwards of a half-million bottles of wine a year, 16 gites (a European word used to describe rooms outside a traditional hotel setting), a restaurant (Thursday – Sunday), and an enormous mountainside forest where you can find sheep, horses, and donkeys.

Valerie is passionate about her winery (which produces a half million bottles a year), because of the quality of the wine, both in terms of the terroir and the attention that goes into its production. One of my favorites was the red Cuvee Prestige 2006, a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah, which is paired with the lamb.

Grapes include Syrah, Grenache, Carignan, Mourvedre, Merlot, Cinsault, and Rolle. Nathalie and her mother speak many languages, and are very open to helping guests map out a plan of how to spend their days (the markets, other wineries, little villages to visit) so it is best to contact them directly with questions. “Welcome!&#

San Valero Winery (Groupo BSV) is a cooperative of 700 winegrowers who grow mostly garnacha vines, and collectively pool their grapes. It is thrilling to visit this mega-winery in the very tiny yet important Denominazion de Origeon (DO) town of Carinena for a few key reasons. Now you know garnacha - of course you do. Day 2?? Day 3.

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.

Not because of all the nice wines and great food (more on the food later), but because there is just not enough time in the day to stop by and visit all the wineries on your list. The day started at one winery that was not on the list. Three unique wineries and a microbrewery all in one estate. Maybe both!! was not disappointed.

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.

it's always fun to sit next to a winemaker / winery owner during a wine dinner at a top restaurant like Park Avenue Spring in New York City. It was the first time I would meet Dennis Cakebread, and it was a thrill to be able to taste the wines and pepper him with questions about the winery's history. cakebread cake.

During the month of May at 8 pm on Mondays anyone can open a bottle of Riesling from any Finger Lakes winery and join in on Facebook or Twitter to chat about what wine you are having for the evening. My choice for the evening was a 2008 semi-dry Riesling( $14 ) from the Long Point Winery. All from the Seneca Lake wineries.

Gary noted four wineries, one of which I vaguely remember from an article written by Evan Dawson for the New York Cork Report. His article "Life, Death and Rebirth at Zugibe" is the story of a winery, that survived the death of their founder just weeks before their first vintage. Sipping later was delightful.

He is cheif winemaker for the Golan Heights winery in the Golan Heights. Tags: News and Merlot vintage arden Rom blend of Syrah cabernet franc Have you had Israeli wine before? few years back, several producers came to the US and I was overwhelmed by how delicious all the wines were. These were excellent wines.

Today I had the chance to really only get to know two wineries, one was Domaien de la Coste Moynier, represented by Arnaud Moynier the very tall new head of the family winery. Arnaud Moynier. Recently, the intersection of 53rd and 5th has become a regular stop. Of course, the salmon color gave away the majority of Cinsault.

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. This past week-end, my pal Mark and I were able to taste two Rieslings from the Brotherhood Winery located in Washingtonville (Hudson Valley) NY on the Shawangunk Wine Trail. Enough history.

As a Californian, I was incredibly loyal to my native state and spent many long, sun-soaked weekends checking out all the new wineries in the Santa Ynez Valley. Now that I am on the East coast and more Old World focused as a result of my (more Old World) wine studies, it is great to re-discover California wine.

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.

B) With Mother’s Day soon approaching, cult winery Colgin Cellars has launched a new perfume. Partnering with Strange Invisible Perfumes, the new perfume is inspired by Colgin Cellar IX vineyardand the winery in Napa valley. The syrah will have the line “Oh sexy, girlfriend!&# What a crazy week in wine news! Floral.

founding family of California wine, Concannon is the oldest continuously operating winery under the same family name, with four generations of family leadership at the helm. These wines are a tribute to my great-grandfather, James Concannon, who founded our winery in 1883." few of the issues are for how long and where. must buy!

You just know before he dies he's going to discover a new religion, as a matter of fact there I was in his near the airport winery, crammed with cement tanks and old wood fermenters and mostly old barrels getting down on the floor, squatting on his green Crocks, he wielded a piece of chalk. Les Collines syrah. So Caleb. Like them.

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.

You just know before he dies he's going to discover a new religion, as a matter of fact there I was in his near the airport winery, crammed with cement tanks and old wood fermenters and mostly old barrels getting down on the floor, squatting on his green Crocks, he wielded a piece of chalk. Les Collines syrah. So Caleb. Like them.

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!!!

On Monday I was fortunate to attend a lunch at Eleven Madison Park hosted by Maggie Harrison, the proprietor of Antica Terra winery in Amity, Oregon. We also tasted Maggie's cult central coast syrah, Lillian. In short, Maggie's pinot noirs from Willamette Valley are not of this world. In 2007, in which it rained 9.5 spice?)

They also produce a barrel fermented Chardonnay and a single vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon named after the winery's founder, Don Melchor. 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. 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

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. Bogle Winery 2007. Tags: California red wine Petite Syrah Think my taste buds are back. No matter what was tried I was getting a very musty taste. Great value!!

Adding insult to injury, the asking price at the winery was only 20 schillings (about 1.50 When I asked winemaker Roli Velich of the Moric winery which grape was the most apt comparison for Blaufränkisch, he suggested no fewer than three: pinot noir from Burgundy, Syrah from the Northern Rhone and Nebbiolo from Piedmont.

With that mornings conversation still fresh in the mind, I was not going to pass up buying that wine and researching the winery. The winery is Cline Cellars. One of the first wineries on the road to wine country, Cline Cellars is located 45 minutes north of San Francisco in Sonoma-Carneros. 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.

This point was made very clear on my first wine tour of 2009 and the first winery visited on what was a Finger Lakes red wine only day. My first stop was at the winery that raised my curiosity about their reds, Damiani Wine Cellars. 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.

But the first problem I encountered is that not all wineries and/or importers place barcodes one the back label (adding barcodes to products can be an expensive process). You just brought home a mixed case of wine from the store. Already, things are looking good. Or just for keeping all your tasting notes handy and organized? The verdict?

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.

30 participating wineries offering a food pairing and an ornament for a Xmas wreath made from grape vines. We were able to visit 16 of the 30 participating wineries. It was at Atwater that I found the best wine of the day, the 2007 Syrah. From there we traveled to Fulkerson Winery, Glenora Wine Cellars and Villa Bellangelo.

Made from 90% Cabernet, 6% Tempranillo, 4% Syrah. Hughes notes: In this economic environment, more and more wineries are presenting their wines to us, so one could say that as the economy gets worse, our selection gets better. More tasting notes from the Snooth California Cabernet Sauvignon Blind Tasting earlier this month.

This was my favorite from the first flight at the Snooth Cabernet tasting last week. Initially, beautiful dark ripe blackberry aromas assault together with wafts of berries, and hints of vanilla, spices and cassis. 15% alcohol and $16.99

This was true when they first got started in 1958 and had to make the wines in the church basement in the center of Barbaresco before they even had their own winery, and it is true to this day. John Gilman, author of the newsletter The View from the Cellar , joins us again for a Q&A. Natural wines are growing in popularity. think not.

From All Recipes; Syrah, Zin or Riesling were suggested with the different submitted recipes. The winner was; Row House Cellars White Table Wine NV, brought home from a recent visit to the White Springs Winery in Geneva NY. Alright, here's my dilemma or at least one of them. The dilemma, I have no clue as to what wine to open.

Shirley and I started out a little late, but were able to taste some outstanding wines at five equally outstanding wineries along the southern east side of the Seneca Lake Trail and the west side of Keuka Lake. put this stop first because it is definitely my favorite New York winery. Our first stop was at Damiani Wine Cellars.

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. 2006 Ngeringa Syrah, Adelaide Hills. Day One. Day Two.

When the time came, I found myself still buying a couple bottles of one of my favorite Pax Cellars Wine, the Kobler Family Vineyard Russian River Valley Syrah, thinking it would be the last time. Wind Gap is the culmination of all we have learned from working so diligently with Syrah." Rumor had it that disagreements with co-owner(?)

But I'll have made a sincere effort to create something new and strange and different, which may be the best you can hope for in the New World." --Randall Grahm, April 2009 It's also why I ponied up $95 last night to go to a Bonny Doon wine tasting at City Winery and meet "the original Rhone deranger" himself. Neither was a "wow" wine.

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

While that wind blowhards the bean pole-like vines of syrah, it doesn't hold a candle to what whips around Languedoc's St. His winery is in a collection of little buildings in the teensie town of Berlou. Every time I'm knocked about by the Mistral, the powerful wind of Provence and the Rhone, I remember that I forgot its intensity.

The hand harvested grapes are immediately transferred to the winery and sorted manually. 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 Dainero 2004 IGT??

But one of the biggest plagues in the south these days is the huge expansion of syrah plantings in the vineyards here- not just in Châteauneuf du Pape, but also throughout the villages of the Côtes du Rhône. But what you do get with all this syrah being incorporated into the traditional blends in the south is dark color- black-purple wines.

You'll notice that a number of wineries are listed throughout the year. This is because most wineries that release four or more wines do so at intervals. Most of the cults aren't even bottled yet when they are purchased as futures, and this fact might give you the "blues." You aren't alone. Release schedules vary from year to year.

A few weeks ago I sat with Gary Grunner and tasted the wines of Il Borro and Castiglion del Bosco, the wineries owned by the Ferragamo family, the well known Italian fashion house. The hand harvested grapes are immediately transferred to the winery and sorted manually. Flavors of pear and vanilla balanced with nice acidity.

Some people brought in bottles from trips to wineries in New York and California, and others were looking to try something out on us before pouring it at Thanksgiving. 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.

Making wines exclusively grown in the Golan Heights region on its volcanic soils (a result of two volvano eruptions - the most recent a short million years ago), GHW (Golan Heights Winery) grows 22 varietals and produces close to 30 wines.  And that does not include the wines made in the Galilee region by its sister winery Galil Mountain.

is a 100% syrah from Walla Walla, Washington State. If you've never heard of this winery, do yourself a favor and splurge on a bottle. I have a love/hate relationship with Wine Spectator. love their events. occasionally enjoy their magazine. and I take issue with the 100 point system generally. Earth and minerality on the nose.

While at a winery last week talking to a winemaker he had some visitors.  I was in Jerusalem for the last day and made my way upon the holiday's completion from Jerusalem to a winery near Sederot.  We were playing with 3 varietals - Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah & Sangiovese.  Has it only been a week?  Can't wait!

of Syrah was very interesting.  I talked a bit about each of the wineries, told them about the wine makers, and we then tasted the wines together.  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.