Varietal of the Month: Syrah

 

Is Syrah the Red Wine Supernova? Very possibly, yes! Yet for many years Syrah, a medium bodied to full-bodied dry red Rhône varietal, was ignored by consumers and it struggled to find a place at the table. Today, winemakers embrace the inherent wild nature of the grape and coax it to its full natural expression of flavors from bright to savory, making wines of great structure and complexity with a balance of fruit, tannin, acidity and alcohol. Syrah is a many splendored thing, a poem of scents, flavors and textures; it’s a varietal worthy of your attention.

 

Here are capsule reviews of Syrah you may find along the Wine Road

Alexander Valley Vineyards 2019 Syrah, Alexander Valley

 

The Alexander Valley Vineyards 2019 Syrah presents as a dark violet color in the glass. Although this wine’s roots are Californian, from the Alexander Valley, it has the pulse and heartbeat of the Rhône. On the nose it’s deep and earthy with notes of menthol and herbs de Provence, green peppercorn, black cherry and sweet tobacco. On the palate, bright acidity and juiciness prevails with notes of blackberry and raspberry. A touch of white pepper and a meaty quality, typical of Rhône Syrah, balance the fine tannins along with a lingering black olive note on the finish. The sub $30 list price is an exceptional value.

 

$26

ABV 14%

 

 

Balletto 2019 Syrah BCD Vineyard Russian River Valley

 

The Balletto 2019 Syrah from the BCD Vineyard in the Russian River Valley is 100% Syrah made from the Estrella River clone. So what’s that mean to you? Probably nothing. But once you taste it you’ll want to take note and seek it out again. On the nose, a rich earthy elixir of black plum, ripe blackberry, clove and black pepper with notes of coffee bean, dark chocolate and sassafras. On the palate, the lively blackberry comes to the fore, along with rich flavors of blueberry and black cherry. Fine sandy tannins build to a long satisfying finish with notes of mocha and a hint of black olive. Enjoyable right now, but it is destined to deepen and develop with age.   

 

$36

ABV 13.9%

 

 

J. Rickards Winery 2020 Syrah Furlong Vineyard, Alexander Valley

 

The J. Rickards Winery 2020 Syrah from the Furlong Vineyard in Alexander Valley is co-fermented with 4% Viognier. On the nose, plum sauce, black current, and black pepper, along with subtle notes of cedar, menthol and sweet tobacco that conjured in my mind an adorable hamster smoking a Salem. (But that’s just my frame of reference.) Rich and robust, this is a fleshy and richly flavored Syrah with flavors of plum, blackberry, mocha, mint, and chaparral. Wonderful balance and structure with fine sandy tannins that lift the deep flavors and deliver a nice round finish. 

 

ABV 14.6%

 

Peterson 2016 Syrah Gravity Flow Block Dry Creek Valley

 

The Peterson 2016 Syrah Gravity Flow Block from the Dry Creek Valley is composed of 93% Syrah that is co-fermented with 7% Viognier. Co-fermenting Viognier with Syrah is time-honored method employed in the Rhône Valley to offer stability to the wine, but it also subtly enhances the floral and fruit notes. On the nose an exciting collision of earthy blackberry, dark plum and brambles, along with savory scents of mushroom, cardamom and sassafras. On the palate, a soft caress of minty sagebrush, ripe black cherry, mocha and boysenberry. This bold scent profile coupled with a plush mouthfeel is the essence of the descriptor— “an iron fist in a velvet glove”—it’s robust yet elegant and refined at the same time. 

 

$48

ABV 14.7%

 

Selby 2019 Syrah Dry Creek Valley

 

The Selby 2019 Syrah from Dry Creek Valley is alive with texture and flavor, with all the earmarks of a fine savory Syrah. On the nose, chocolate covered blueberries with a touch of mint and green peppercorn. On the palate, smooth and rich with bright juicy blueberry, blackberry, black cherry, cranberry and plum sauce. It’s harmonious and balanced, with medium body and a distinct and savory black olive note on the long velvety finish.  

 

$38

ABV 14.4%

 

Spicy Vines 2021 Syrah Dragon’s Kiss Sierra Foothills

 

The Spicy Vines 2021 Syrah Dragon’s Kiss is from Le Mulet Rouge, a high elevation vineyard in the Sierra Foothills. The nose is softly perfumed with chocolate, sweet tobacco, clove, a whiff of leather and peppercorn. On the palate it’s chewy and tart with plum sauce, mocha, boysenberry and tangy black olive. Soft powdery tannins spread across the tongue and palate with a plumy rich meatiness and a touch of mint on the long earthy finish.

 

$48

ABV 15.1%

Wine Road Podcast: Ron Rubin, Owner of River Road Family Vineyards and Winery

 

Episode 207: Ron Rubin, Owner of River Road Family Vineyards and Winery

Wine Road Podcast: Leo Hansen, Owner/Winemaker Leo Steen Wines

 

Episode 206: Leo Hansen, Owner/Winemaker Leo Steen Wines

Varietal of the Month: Zinfandel

 

Zinfandel is know as the All American grape and has been grown in California since the 1800’s. Yet the grapes true roots are in Croatia where it’s known as Tribidrag. In Italy Zinfandel is called Primitivo. Although the majority of California producers label their wine as Zinfandel, you may see a few Tribidrag’s and Primitiov’s too. Zinfandel is a medium-bodied dry red wine with a range of dark fruit flavors that include raspberry, blueberry, red and black cherry, and plum. Notes of tobacco, brambles, hickory and spice are common as well. Medium tannins make it a versatile food pairing wine, with flavors ranging from juicy and jammy, to lean and elegant depending on climate.

Here are capsule reviews of Zinfandel’s you may find along the Wine Road.

 

Carol Shelton 2019 Rockpile Reserve Zinfandel, Florence Vineyard
 

The Carol Shelton 2019 Rockpile Reserve Zinfandel from the Florence vineyard in Dry Creek Valley is composed of 80% Zinfandel, 15% Petite Sirah, 5% Carignane. On the nose, a confluence of heady scents with blackberry and plum along with notes of rooibos tea, sweet tobacco and crushed gravel. On the palate bright flavors of sour cherry, raspberry and Santa Rosa plum with secondary notes of dried strawberry and sweet tobacco. An impressive barrel program yields great structure and balance with fine sandy tannins on the long lush finish that echoes with dried strawberry and juicy raspberry.

ABV 14.8%

$42

 

Ehret 2022 Zinfandel Knights Valley

The Ehret 2022 Zinfandel from Knights Valley is a deep dark garnet in color. On the nose, light scents of dried strawberry and sweet tobacco. On the palate—KPOW Batman! This Zin packs a mighty punch of dark fruit flavors with blackberry, black plum, and ripe Bing cherry. Secondary notes of vanilla, mocha, raspberry, and a touch of white pepper are framed by a generous jammy body. Long finish with silky tannins and note of white pepper. Pair with barbecue chili cheese dogs or beef ribs cooked low and slow.

ABV 16%

$60

  

J. Rickards Winery 2020 Old Vine Zinfandel Alexander Valley

The J. Rickards Winery 2020 Old Vine Zinfandel from the 1908 Brignole Vineyard in Alexander Valley is a field blend of 80% Zinfandel, 10% Petite Sirah, 5% Carignane, 4% Mataro and a 1% Alicante Bouschet, Muscat Canelli and Golden Chasselas; all picked and fermented together. It has a bright and fresh nose with black berry and black cherry, and a peppery note of spicy carnation. Generous body with initial notes of blueberry and spearmint is balanced with deep lush flavors of blackberry and mocha. Lovely finish with long spicy tannins.

ABV 14.8%

$37 

 

The Meeker Vineyard 2022 Mazzoni Home Ranch Zinfandel Alexander Valley

The Meeker 2022 Mazzoni Home Ranch Zinfandel from Alexander Valley is made from the oldest block in the vineyard with vines over 100 years old. While essentially a field blend, Zinfandel is the primary grape, small amounts of Sirah, Carignane, Golden Chasselas, and others that give balance and lift to the wine. On the nose, notes of strawberry, Bing cherry, blueberry and spicy carnation. On the palate, full bodied flavors of red and black currant, and secondary notes of leather, mocha and plum. The spicy finish is a clarion call to deliciousness that rings long and clear to the end with notes of strawberry, rhubarb and sweet briar. Pair with spicy pulled pork sliders.

ABV 14.8%

$65

 

Pedroncelli 2021 Bushnell Vineyard Zinfandel Dry Creek Valley

The Pedroncelli 2021 Zinfandel from the 22-acre Bushnell Vineyard, which has been in the Pedroncelli family for 80 years, is history in a glass. It’s a full-fledged beauty with scents of blackberry, mocha, strawberry preserves and a pleasant whiff of fruitcake on the nose. On the palate, it’s a harmony of blackberry, raspberry, earthy brambles, rhubarb, and a note of Dr. Pepper. It’s elegant and balanced with fine-grained tannins and a rich long finish. If Taylor Swift drank this she might be compelled to write: “Karma a Zin from the Pedroncelli peeps!”

ABV 15%

$45

 

Taddei Wines 2021 Zinfandel Stratification Dry Creek Valley

The Taddei Wines 2021 Zinfandel Sratification, Dry Creek Valley is aptly named. It is indeed stratified with layers of flavor and texture. On the nose, bright floral notes of candied violets and hibiscus, with fruity scents of blackberry and plum. On the palate concentrated flavors of mocha, black cherry, and boysenberry with a dash of hickory wood. Great texture and body. Taut long tannins balance the rich red and black berry fruits with notes of leather and sweet briar. Pair with a hearty lasagna.

ABV 15.1%

$65

Wine Road Podcast: Katarina Bonde, Owner and Winemaker at West Wines

 

 

Episode 205: Katarina Bonde, Owner and Winemaker at West Wines

Wine Road Podcast: Rick Moshin, Owner and Winemaker at Moshin Vineyards

 

 Episode 204: Rick Moshin, Owner and Winemaker at Moshin Vineyards 

Varietal of the Month: Sauvignon Blanc

Sauvignon Blanc is well known for it’s spiky, lively acidity. Flavors range from lean, green and grassy, to creamy notes of passion fruit and fleshy peach depending on climate and how the wine is aged be it in stainless steel or oak. When it comes to food pairing—Sauvignon Blanc is the ultimate flex, versatile and accommodating to a vast array of foods from oysters on the half shell to cheese and charcuterie, or tomato based dishes.

 

Here are capsule reviews of Sauvignon Blanc you may find along the Wine Road.

 

 

ACAIBO 2023 Sauvignon Blanc, Sonoma County

 

The ACAIBO 2023 Sauvignon Blanc is the personal creation of Gonzague & Claire Lurton steeped in California terroir. On the nose, a delicate scent of sweet hay, ginger and green peppercorn. The palate is rich yet lean with Rainier cherry, lemon, honeyed-saffron and amber. Steely and precise, the long finish rides a wave of zippy acidity. Go with a classic pairing—oysters on the half shell.

 

ABV 13.5%

$ N/A

 

 

Baldassari 2023 Sauvignon Blanc, Knights Valley, Sonoma County

 

The Baldassari 2023 Sauvignon Blanc from Knights Valley in Sonoma County is pale yellow in the glass. On the nose, it’s a complex bouquet of lemongrass, white peach, ginger, lychee and a note of butterscotch. On the palate it’s fresh and sunshiny—a medley of citrus, limestone and honeydew with a flinty note of gooseberry and sea salt on the tangy finish. Pair with the beach and a good book!

ABV 13.2%

$ N/A

 

 

J. Bucher 2023 Sauvignon Blanc, Russian River Valley

 

The J. Bucher 2023 Sauvignon Blanc is from the Middle Reach of the Russian River Valley appellation. On the nose, scents of pink grapefruit, creamy peach and mango with a salty-lime note reminiscent of a Margarita. On the palate it has rolly–polly mouthfeel; both soft and spiky with flavors of guava, ginger, slate, lemon, green apple and grapefruit pith. It’s textured and elegant with fine balance on the finish. Pair with Scallop Ceviche.

 

ABV 14.1%

$38

 

 

J. Rickards Winery 2023 Sauvignon Blanc, Croft Vineyard, Alexander Valley

 

The 2023 J. Rickards Sauvignon Blanc is from the Croft Vineyard in Alexander Valley. On the nose, enticing scents of jasmine, lemon grass, and salty buttered bread fill the glass. On the palate, it opens soft and creamy with notes of peach and fleshy Rainier cherry. Secondary flavors of kiwi and grapefruit follow with salty crisp acidity on the long finish. Pair with Tomato and Peach Caprese Salad.

 

ABV 14.2%

$30

 

 

Pedroncelli 2023 Giovanni & Giulia Sauvignon Blanc, Dry Creek Valley

 

The Pedroncelli 2023 Giovanni & Giulia Sauvignon Blanc from Dry Creek Valley is named for the founders of the winery, which is fast approaching the 100^th year in operation. On the nose fresh peach, lychee, honeydew melon, ginger and lime. It’s zesty with an approachable complexity of flavors that range from all-spice to lychee to caramelized pineapple and jalapeño. Pair with Grilled Pork Tenderloin and Chimichurri sauce.

 

ABV 13.5%

$22

 

Sonoma-Cutrer 2023 Sauvignon Blanc, Russian River Valley

 

The Sonoma-Cutrer 2023 Sauvignon Blanc from Russian River Valley is a pale straw color with a tinge of green. On the nose a soft scent of peaches and cream with notes of lime and rose water. On the palate, crisp and bracing flavors of pink grapefruit, pear, honeydew, lychee and slate with soft secondary notes of vanilla and butterscotch. The long lingering finish buzzes with acidity. Pair with grilled Mango Chicken.

 

ABV 12.2%

$25