Tasting Room
Syrah/ShirazWINE OF THE WEEK
Earthquake Syrah
2004 Lodi - Syrah ($28)
A rich, complex syrah. Aromas and flavors of cherry, black cherry, chocolate, toasty oak and tar. Firm tannins. Spicy finish.
2004 Mendocino - Syrah ($15)
A pleasant wine, but undermined by some off aromas. Notes of cherry, toasty oak and white pepper.
2003 Sonoma Valley - Syrah ($22)
A lovely syrah, with layers of spice. Ripe, juicy fruit. Firm tannins. Spicy finish. Medium complexity.
2004 Sonoma Coast - Syrah ($16)
A good syrah, with smoky, bacon aromas. Flavors of black cherry, black raspberry and spice. Medium complexity.
2004 Guyzer Block RRV, Sonoma - Syrah ($38)
An elegant syrah with a big mouth-feel. Great concentration of cherry and plum fruit flavors. Spicy finish. Fleshy texture.
2003 Dry Creek Valley - Syrah ($28)
A vibrant syrah with great backbone. Peppery aromas and flavors of black cherry, plum and spice. Integrated tannins.
2002 Carneros - Syrah ($19)
A rich syrah with smooth tannins. Aromas and flavors of rhubarb, juicy blackberry and toasty oak. Firm tannins.
2005 Sonoma County - Syrah ($57)
Earthy. Aromas and flavors of black cherry, pepper, smoke, toasty oak, mushroom and spice. Medium complexity.
2003 Dry Creek Valley - Syrah ($14.50)
An uncomplicated syrah that's a bit hollow in the middle. Light body. Light oak. Soft texture. Short finish.
2004 Santa Barbara - Syrah ($25)
Smoky, with a great core of jammy fruit. Notes of cherry, black cherry, caramel and spice. Chewy tannins.
2005 McLaren Vale, Australia - Shiraz ($25)
An earthy, ripe syrah. Juicy, with aromas and flavors of cherry, toasty oak and spice. Slightly sweet.
TASTING PANEL: Mike Lee, vintner of Montecillo Vineyards; Damy Tamburrino, Simi Winery Visitors Center; and Press Democrat wine columnist Peg Melnik.
CRITERIA: The panel samples eight to 12 wines a week in a blind tasting. Wine of the Week is based on quality, value and availability and is not necessarily the top wine of the tasting. Price is suggested retail; actual price is often lower.You can reach Staff Writer Peg Melnik at 521-5310 or e-mail pmelnik@pressdemocrat.com