"Singing Syrahs from our Shores"

   One of my favorite grapes is the Syrah/Shiraz. The wine is rich, full-bodied, spicy, peppery and loaded with tons of dark fruits. Different regions produce various styles of this grape but almost all examples excite my palate. The grape is originally home in the Northern Rhone of France, but now you can find world class bottles from all across the globe and even some of the finest coming from our own California and Washington State. Places like Walla Walla, Washington and the Central Coast of California are making fabulous beauties you must search out and try. Some people wonder if there is a difference between Syrah and Shiraz. This is the same grapes just different spellings. The French call it Syrah and the Aussies call it Shiraz. You will see it labeled both ways in our country. Whatever you call it, it's all quite tasty to me. This time of the year with the weather getting cooler and the foods getting heavier the Syrah is a great accompaniment  to many of these foods. Roast, stews, chilis and rich meats pair wonderful with these wines. The dark fruits, spice and peppers make the food come alive. In the last ten to twenty years the Domestic Syrahs have come into their own. If you enjoy medium to full-bodied rich reds then you must try some of these gems out. This is a list of some of my current favorites that are all priced well under 25 bucks a bottle.

1)    Mc Manis Syrah 2008 - This fourth generation grape growing family keeps the best lots of their grapes and makes their own label. Super dark purple in color with aromas of smoke, blackberry and a touch of maple syrup. Succulent mouth filling flavors of blueberry and spice explode on the palate with a nice softness and long finish. Killer for the price! Pair with a blackened rib eye or some aged cheddar.

2)    Snoqualmie Syrah 2006 - Joy Anderson has been making these wines for over 25 years and has it dialed in. Little lighter style than the Mc Manis but a great example of Columbia Valley Syrah at a fabulous price. Dark purplish color with aromas of blueberries. Spice, blackberry and more blueberry coat the mouth with an excellent balance. Super food friendly because of its weight. Great case buy for the holidays! Pair with roast duck and turkey.

3)    Castle Rock Columbia Valley Syrah 2007 - Here is another incredible wine for the money. Mr. Popovich sources the best grapes he can get from the finest growing regions and make his wine. For the money the wine is on par with bottles double its price. Dark red with purple tints. Heady aromatics of red fruits and spice fill the air. Big bold flavors of raspberry and cherry mingle in the mouth with a juicy long finish. For the money it over delivers and would make a great house wine! Pair with chili, stews and roast meats. 

4)    Robert Hall Syrah Paso Robles 2006 - I love wines that cost 20 bucks but drink like 50 dollar bottles. Mr. Hall is from our own lovely Minnesota but now resides in California making superb wines. Dark brooding purple color with aromas of dark fruits, tobacco, spice and sandalwood. Super rich with flavors of currant, blackberry , cherries and crushed black pepper. Long lasting finish with a plush mouth feel. A must try for lovers of this grape. Pair with grilled steak, roast lamb and Parmigiano-Reggiano.

5) Matchbook Syrah Dunnigan Hills 2007 - Every time I taste this wine I'm blown away with the complexity for the price. The wine has 9% Russian River Valley Cabernet Sauvignon in it which gives it more structure and depth. Deep dark inkish purple color with aromas of dark fruits and spice. Super concentrated flavors of ripe blueberry and vanilla coat the palate with a touch of more spice. Great length on finish and superb balance! Pair with good friends, pepper steak, roast leg of lamb or venison stew.

Hope you find a fun new favorite!

Sommelier

Jeff Anderson