The Wines of March 2021

Another month has come and gone. Going to briefly talk about the Syrah grape.

Syrah, also known as Shiraz, is a dark-skinned grape variety grown throughout the world and used primarily to produce red wine. In 1999, Syrah was found to be the offspring of two obscure grapes from southeastern France, Dureza and Mondeuse Blanche. Syrah should not be confused with Petite Sirah, a cross of Syrah with Peloursin dating from 1880 (Called Durif in France).

Legends of Syrah's origins come from one of its homonyms, Shiraz. Because Shiraz, capital of the Persian Empire (modern-day Iran), produced the well-known “Shirazi” wine, legends claim the Syrah grape originated in Shiraz and then was brought to Rhône. At least two significantly different versions of the myth are reported, giving different accounts of how the variety is supposed to have been brought from Shiraz to Rhône and differing up to 1,800 years in dating this event.

2016 Zorzal Eggo Franco, Tupungato, Argentina

“The Eggo Franco is produced, like many of their wines, with grapes from Tupungato Winelands in Gualtallary. It fermented in cement eggs with some stems and with 50% of the wine kept in contact with skins for some three to four months, then pressed and put back in the eggs to complete its elevage, which lasted some nine months. It typically shows a mixture of herbal and candied berry aromas, hints of beef blood and iron. The absence of oak shows the naked tannins and provides an earthy side, which to me is very much the wild character of Gualtallary.” –Luis Gutierrez, Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate

JS91       James Suckling

Aromas of currants, flowers and stones follow through to a medium body, firm and silky tannins and a delicious finish.

A nice Cabernet Franc from Argentina- there can be bottle variation, although my bottle was very good. The medium body had an undertone of meatiness. Nicely made, good with food, good bottle of wine. Special at around $12.

2015 Langman Estate Grace’s Grenache, Sierra Foothills, CA

This wine is rich and soothing, showing distinctive floral, grapey aromas, a broad mouthfeel and ripe concentrated plum and prune flavors. It feels quite full bodied but not very tannic, and leaves a lingering finish. JIM GORDON           RATING 87

Another close-out from Matt – this is a really nice drinking Grenache. Good fruit, like the old vine Garnarcha from Spain. Priced at around $11, this is a buy several bottles.

2016 Brotte Chateaunuef-du-pape Blanc ‘Le Hautes des Barville’, Rhone, France

A tinge of copper to this white's hue suggests a bit of skin contact, and there's a decided textural element and tannic grip on the palate as well. Pear and melon flavors finish refreshing and mouthwatering in spite of the wine's richness. Drink now.  WE RATING 91

Wine Advocate 91

The 2017 Chateauneuf du Pape Blanc les Hauts de Barville is 80% Grenache Blanc, fermented and aged in stainless steel. Straightforward grapefruit and lime notes abound in this medium to full-bodied offering. It's crisp and clean, with riper hints of stone fruit to round out the mid-palate, while citrus keeps the finish fresh and long.       by Robert Parker, JC, 2018.

A splendid white wine that had a great body with melting flavors of pear and melon with a nice acid balance. Great for sipping or with lighter meals. Priced around $35, kind of a splurge.

2014 Domaine De La Ville Rouge Crozes-Hermitage ‘Inspiration’, Rhone, France

“The Crozes-Hermitage ‘Inspiration’ is made from the estate’s youngest vines (10-15 years old) grown on the ‘plateau de Chassis’, a terrace made up of thick layers of pebbles from different glacial periods, interspersed with red clay. The juice gets a four-day pre-fermentation soak, with 80% then aged for 12 months in stainless steel, the remainder in oak barrels. A creamy, juicy nose of plum and spice and just a suggestion of the typical Crozes ‘bacon fat’ character. Light-bodied, fresh acidity, savoury, with soft tannins. Sleekly textured, elegant and just delicious – an approachable style to be drunk young and on the fruit. Very good value for the appellation.”

This wine may be at or just past its peak.  Over-ripe red fruits and tar, almost a little off-putting. Not a bad bottle, just showing its age. Around $24, try to get a newer vintage

2017 Finca Collado Syrah/ Monastrell, Alicante, Spain

RATING: 92 Points - James Suckling* An attractive color, with great intensity. The nose of the wine show ripe fruits and a touch of unroasted coffee. The nose leads to a tasty, intense palate, that has a touch of spice to go with a boat load of different fruit flavors. The finish is clean with a hint of tobacco lended from the Monastrell. An enjoyable, easy drink! Pairs well with appetizers, bbq and grilled meats, even a nice cheeseburger would work! Also a good combination with dark chocolate and red jams!

A very dark wine with red fruit with spice and tobacco. Medium body with a modest finish, a very nice drinking wine.Acidity to make it a food match – runs under $15 – well worth drinking

2018 Parducci Small Lot Petite Sirah, Mendocino County, CA

Parducci pays homage to the hearty character of Petite Sirah with grapes harvested from Mendocino County’s heritage vineyard sites and winemaking that embraces each wine’s unique varietal qualities. Full and velvety with bold dark fruit flavors and aromas of blackberry, sage and a hint of vanilla.

From Mendocino’s heritage vineyard sites, the 2018 vintage depicts the best of the qualities we’ve come to expect from this velvety, rich red, which aged in oak barrels and redwood tanks. Notes of briar and lavender play a key role on the juicy palate alongside bright acidity. It’s more of a gentle giant than a harsh teeth-grabber.

Nice red fruits show in this bottling – some tannin and decent acidity make it very tasty. Moderate finish – a really nice Petite that doesn’t overpower food. Priced around $15, buy several bottles.

2017 Shinas Estate ‘The Guilty’ Shiraz, South East Australia

Deep dark red black colour with a dark red hue. Spiced dark plum and liquorice allsorts aromas intermix with vanillin oak and hints of dark chocolate. Rich, plush and sweetly fruited with medium to full body weight, the palate is filled with luscious dark plum and liquorice flavours over a back drop of spicy vanillin oak. Soft acidity and velvet smooth tannins finishing with a medium length aftertaste.

Drink over the next 1-2 years.

Dark, brooding Aussie Shiraz that is not too fruit forward. Some tannins, but the blend well with the dark red fruits and oak. Long finish that ends on a almost sweet note. Well built shiraz with enough acidity to go with heavy meats. Priced around $25, nice bottle to have around.

Another month has flown by. Hope you are well and staying safe. Get the vaccination when you can. Until next time, keep popping those corks and I’ll meet you out behind the grapevines.