Friday, March 7, 2008

Virtual Californa Syrah Tasting

Right now (Friday, Mach 7th, 2008, 7:48PM) there is a virtual Cali Syrah tasting going on. It is actually going the whole weekend. The brainchild of the parker board member Frank Murray III. Bravo Frank!

There has been much talk of late about Cali Syrah not getting its due. In my mind it is the single most interesting varietal right now. There are so many styles to be attracted to. Nothing like Shiraz, the grape has found its place in the US nicely. I prefer the cooler climate style, not bruisers.

Unlike Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir, this grape does well under many conditions, cool, warm, high, and low. There is something for everyone.

Tonights choice:
2005 Lucia Susan's Hill SLH Syrah- Decanted 4PM.
5PM:Initially somewhat primary. Super dark color. Purple edges. amazing pure saturated blackberry and blueberry. Beautiful floral notes.This will get better and better...
6:40P:This nose is just exploding with black fruit. An incredible lush tannin and acid level showcases the blackberries, tar, white pepper, bacon fat. A super long finish . Wow. No Glad I've got 10 more and will seek more yet. This is an elegant classy pure pretty Syrah. Well worth the $40 price tag. I will never drop from ths list and will continue to ask for 2x the allotment. 94/100

This coming Tuesday a few friends and myself are getting together to cap off the Virtual Tasting Weekend, by tasting a few more California Syrahs, albeit 2 days late, but who keeps track of such minutia? Bloggers, that's who.