April 2010: Syrah vs. Shiraz

Wow – what a diverse lineup!  The countries/regions represented cover the spectrum: Australia, South Africa, France, Washington & California with 3 Shiraz (Australia & South Africa) and 6 Syrah, but the question is … can you tell and what do people prefer?  Here’s the blind tasting tally: 3 Syrah & 2 Shiraz all tied for the top spot with 90 points. The tasting notes are great:

Animale 2007 Syrah Reserve (90 points)
Region: Yakima Valley, WA; Varietals: Syrah; Retail $55
Tasting Notes:  So dark in color, looks almost black. Some green tea and almonds on the palate, great long finish. Very different. I like this. (Fernando, 90 pts)

Cooralook 2007 Shiraz (90 points)                      
Region: Heathcote, Australia; Varietals: Shiraz; Retail $17.50
Tasting Notes:  Tar, toasted seaweed, blueberries on the nose. Plums and blackberries on the palate, fine grained tannins, nice minerality. (Chris, 92 pts)

Jim Berry 2007 The Lodge Hill Shiraz (90 points)
Region: Clare Valley, Australia; Varietals: Shiraz; Retail $22
Tasting Notes: Dark ruby color. Subtle aromas – cherry fruit, fresh-cut radish, hints of citrus & minerals (earth/steel). Full-bodied and balanced acidity & tannins. (Matt, 95 pts)
 
Jones of Washington 2007 Syrah (90 points)
Region: Wahluke Slope, WA; Varietals: Syrah; Retail $17.50
Tasting Notes:  Whoh Nellie, this color is like blood.  Nose has tart cherry – fresh red fruits – & cedar.  Yum is this lovely – light acidity with dried cherry flavors.  Not over blown, but still interesting … delicate, smoky & flavors of cassis and almond (toasted). (Gina, 93 pts)

Novy 2006 Syrah (90 points)
Region: Sonoma Valley, CA; Varietals: Syrah; Retail $23
Tasting Notes:  Nose is intoxicating … fresh rain followed by sexy baked fruit … the kind you know you will eat the whole pie just by smelling it.  On the mouth – bittersweet chocolate, big round ripe blackberry & black licorice. Finish is spicy but not peppery. What would I eat this with? BBQ ribs? Grilled lamb chops? Or a creamy stinky blue! (Gina, 94 pts)

Saint Cosme 2008 Côtes du Rhône (89 points)
Region: Southern Rhône, France; Varietals: Syrah; Retail $19.50
Tasting Notes:  Dark, dark ruby color – wonderful, deep aromas of dark berries, garrique, violets with some spice.  Tastes lighter than it smells, but still very pleasant – beautiful flavors of dark berries, cassis, olives and tar.  Builds up to a great finish – again barrique and black pepper notes.  Could be Rhône or Languedoc. (Jens, 95 pts)

Spice Route 2005 Shiraz (88 points)
Region: Swartland, South Africa; Varietals: Syrah; Retail $19.50
Tasting Notes:  Dark cherry color. Game aromas and eucalyptus. Somehow smells like South African wine. Some sweet touch. This one must be something from the Cape. (Fernando, 89 pts)

Clos du Mont-Olivet “Verene” 2007 Côtes du Rhône (87 points)
Region: Southern Rhône, France; Varietals: Syrah; Retail $87
Tasting Notes:  Bit cloudy red.  Sulfur like qualities. Strong mature aromas of dried fruit and black cocktail olives, though extremely pleasant on the palate. Good! (Giuseppe, 87 pts)

Milbrandt Vineyards 2006 The Estates Syrah (87 points)
Region: Wahluke Slope, WA; Varietals: Syrah; Retail $23
Tasting Notes:  Deep dark appearance. Herbaceous nose with aromas of honey and baked red fruits and burnt butter. Round silky body & butter & pepper in finish. Eucalyptus, heavy butter. Drinkable now. (Karli, 89 pts)

All wines available at Portalis Wine Shop.

April Tasting Panel:  Jens Strecker, Gina Gregory, Giuseppe Caraturro, Matt Gubitosa, Fernando Martinez, Chris Nishiwaki and guest taster: Karli Pickett