Shannon Ridge Syrah 2006

American Syrah is not an easy wine-category to sell these days.  Many Americans are confused about what exactly Syrah is.  They’ve heard it’s the same grape as is used in Aussie Shiraz, but it doesn’t taste like the 90-some-odd point blueberry milkshakes they’ve had foisted upon them by some jamoke from Kappy’s.  Furthermore, Californian Syrah runs the gamut from powerful and aromatic Rhone-style wines, to emulations of the melted-jam wines so favored by suburban, banker types.

California’s inability to precisely define it’s feelings regarding Syrah is no reason, however, to abandon the varietal.  There are plenty of great Syrah’s to be had for just about any price.  At around $15, the Shannon Ridge Winery’s take on the southern french grape is an absolute steal.

Grown in Lake County, the Shannon Ridge vines benefit from steeply sloped vineyards and steady, cooling, winds off of Clear Lake.  The wine pours an intense garnet-red, a bit reminiscent of bottlings from the Northern Rhone.  This is echoed by a hint of bacon fat in the nose, but aromas of chocolate and black fruit definitely suggest the wine’s California roots.  The wine has a densely-thatched palate of blackberry and cocoa coupled with a warm undertone of caramelized sugar.  Straightforward tannins and a bright, fresh-faced acidity make this a killer red for the summer time.  I recommend acquiring some Redbones and finding a spot to watch the sun go down.

J.

Tags: blueberry milkshakes, California, jamoke, kappy's, lake county, shannon ridge, shiraz, syrah
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