Tasting Notes 1/25/13

NCWC SYRAH TASTING 1/25/13

CASAEDA SYRAH 2010
Syrah is all about being wild…in flavor, aromas, acidity and funk! This Syrah embraces all of these with pepper, violets, bacon fat, blueberry, crisp acidity and mouthwatering tannins. Syrah is a perfect accompaniment to all those bold foods that you wonder “what wine will go with this?” 90 points Jim Tobin. $15.97

BRIDLEWOOD BLEND 175 2010
The winemakers tasted the different vineyard lots 175 times before blending them together to create a well-balanced wine that embodies the vast Central Coast appellation. The final blend is comprised of predominantly Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel. This full-bodied wine has dark, jammy fruit flavors with notes of sweet oak and a graceful finish. 89 points Bill Tobin. $11.97

ZENAIDA CELLARS ZC RED 2009
The blend is 50% Syrah, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Petite Sirah. This wine was designed to compliment a wide range of cuisine. Unmasked varietal components with well balanced tannin and acidity, give this wine rich flavors of anise, ripened cherry and lush berry and pomegranate with hints of cedar. 88 points Bill Tobin. $12.97

SAINT COSME LES DEUX ALBION COTES DU RHONE 2010
This blend from the Southern Rhone is Syrah co-fermented with Grenache, Carignan, Mourvedre and Clairette. It’s “roasted and perfumy, with mesquite and espresso notes weaving through the crushed plum and red currant fruit. Tobacco and ganache hints flitter in on the finish, adding length and definition.” 91 points Wine Spectator. $19.97

PELERIN SYRAH 2008
Pelerin’s Les Violettes-Paraiso Vineyard Syrah is a delicious interpretation of Cote Rotie in California. The 2010 exhibits pure black cherry and blackberry aromas and flavors, with earthy floral highlights and accents of white pepper and sage. It is full in the mouth, with excellent fruit density, naturally balanced acidity and well-integrated oak. A dusting of cocoa and baking spice lingers on the finish. 89 points Bill Tobin. $19.97

TWO HANDS BELLA’S GARDEN SHIRAZ 2009
“Complex, focused, fresh and distinctive for its mineral-accented cherry and plum flavors, hinting at licorice, bay leaf, black tea and pepper as the finish lingers against refined, mouth caressing tannins. This has depth and lingers well. Drink now through 2019.” 94 points Wine Spectator, #35 in the 2011 “Top 100.” $49.95

LUCA DOUBLE SELECT SYRAH 2010
“The 2010 Syrah Laborde Double Select was sourced from 48-year-old ungrafted vines and aged for 14 months in 50% new French barriques before bottling without fining or filtration. It sports an expressive perfume of smoke, bacon, game, leather, pepper, and blueberry. Smooth-textured and elegant on the palate, this savory, ripe Syrah conceals enough structure to evolve for 2-3 years and offers a drinking window extending from 2013 to 2022. It is an outstanding value.” 92 points Wine Advocate. $18.97