3 more great
Syrahs, but I only received one case of each!
2001
Shadow Canyon - York Mtn., Paso Robles - $49.95 Net -
Just named by Wine &
Spirits magazine as one of "The Year's Best Syrah". Just
one problem! Only 95 cases were produced! Up until now Shadow
Canyon's claim-to-fame was being a Syrah source for Manfred Krankl's
cult Sine Qua Non wines. Not bad to say the least!! Owner-winemaker
Gary Gibson understands terroir and his minimalistic
approach captures vineyard in a bottle.
"This sophisticated, black wine starts
out complex, with the sweetness of ripe fruit balanced by the rasp of
earthiness. There's a floral, honeyed buzz over the dense fruit, and
there's a long lasting hum of flavor in the end, gripping and
savory. Poured from a bottle a day later, this is more delicious,
still firm, the favors of the earth adding detail." - W&S 10/03
2001
Ojai - Roll Ranch - Ventura County - $47.95 Net -
Adam Tolmach is Mr. Syrah! Presently,
he is making seven vineyard designated Syrahs from varied sites
including this wine from the Roll Ranch in Ventura County! I told you
I was going to take you all over the place searching for these precious
gems. Again, almost impossible to find this Carol Doda of a Syrah. I
like Robert Parker's notes best - " ....is the most luscious, sexy, and
voluptuous (of the Ojai Syrahs). Fat, juicy, and lusty, with an inky
purple color, tremendous body, and notes of melted licorice interwoven
with blackberries and cassis, this undeniably compelling, smoky, rich,
complex Syrah will drink well for 12-15 years." - 94 points (Issue
148)
2000
Shafer Relentless - Napa Valley - $56.95 Net -
Only by means of relentlessness was
another case of this wine secured. "Relentless" Syrah was created to
honor Shafer's highly esteemed winemaker Elias Fernandez.
"Whether he's out sampling grapes
before first light or personally selecting every barrel that comes into
the winery, Elais has been absolutely relentless in pursuing the
highest level of quality in his winemaking. This Syrah honors him." -
Doug Shafer
Relentless Syrah is a deep
concentrated wine composed of 81% Syrah and 19% Petite Sirah. The fruit
is planted in Shafer's hillside vineyard adjacent to the southern
boundary of the Stag's Leap District. It has been aged for 25 months in
French oak barrique. Black cherry and blackberry flavors with a
little crushed black pepper and earthiness are abound in this lush
velevety textured wine. Robert Parker calls attention to the wine's
"surprisingly well-integrated tannin, and long 45+ second finish" and
feels the wine will cellar successfully over the next 10 to 12
years. Parker gives it 93 points (Issue 148). Who knows, some day
this wine may be thought of as the Shafer Hillside of Syrah!!
Please ORDER NOW ("Operators are
standing by.....!!") Limits will be imposed. Orders will be given
preference that include at least one bottle of the above wines.
Just received word that I will be
receiving another case of the 2002 K
Vintner's Morrison Lane Syrah at $51.95 and the 2002 K Vintner's
Milbrandt Syrah at $28.86 for six (or $33.95 a bottle) (yesterday's
email)...so if you missed out please order ASAP!!
Thank you,
Eric Stumpf
The Wine Consultant
8039 Greenback Lane
Citrus Heights, CA 95610
(916) 721-WINE (9463)
View the Archives
