Tasting Room
Syrah/ShirazWINE OF THE WEEK
Penfolds Bin 2
2004 Australia - Shiraz ($15)
Complex, with a nice silky texture. Smoky and jammy. Full bodied, with notes of blackberry, blueberry, chocolate and coffee. Nice tannin structure.
2005 Russian River Valley - Syrah ($36)
A well-crafted syrah packed with fruit. Meaty, with notes of blackberry, anise, pencil, smoky bacon and chocolate.
2004 Rodney's Vyrd., Santa Barbara Co., California - Syrah ($35)
A syrah that's a bit angular. Smoky and meaty, with notes of sweet blackberry, strawberry and spice.
2004 California - Syrah ($14)
A syrah with nice intensity. Well-made, with notes of cherry, rhubarb, toast and black currant. Smoky and earthy.
2004 Sonoma County - Syrah ($20)
An appealing syrah with good balance. Complex, with notes of toast, leather and black pepper. Nice oak.
2004 Hnawood, SE Australia, Australia - Shiraz ($12)
An earthy shiraz, with red fruit. Notes of tart quince and menthol. Light green tannins in the finish.
2004 California - Syrah ($8)
A brambly syrah, with notes of black plum, anise, white pepper and leather. Nice oak balance. Medium complexity.
2005 Southeastern Australia - Shiraz ($10)
A shiraz with vitality. Uncomplicated, yet the flavors are rich. Floral, with notes of violet, cherry, cola and licorice.
2002 Yountville - Syrah ($42)
A jammy syrah, with sweet red fruits. Notes of cassis, chocolate and spice. Short finish.
2004 California - Syrah ($9)
A syrah with a nice sructure. Well-integrated. Aromas and flavors of black currant, licorice and dill. Nice acid.
TASTING PANEL: Daryl Groom, Beam Wine Estates; Larry Van Aalst, sommelier Equus Restaurant; Doug Wilder of VinFolio; 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