2006 Unti Syrah Dry Creek Valley (California)
From the winemaker: Our 2006 Syrah “normale” comes primarily from our original 6-acre benchland vineyard, which has been the mainstay of our Syrah program since 1997. We planted this vineyard in 1991 (when there wasn’t much Syrah here in Dry Creek) using budwood we obtained from the Durell vineyard in Sonoma. Our 2006 Syrah was aged in only French Oak, 30% new, for 13 months. It was bottled unfined and unfiltered.
The wine really shows the pedigree of our Benchland site, featuring a complex set of blackberry and grilled meat aromas and flavors. It combines the earthy savory flavors of Northern Rhone Syrah in a lush, Dry Creek wine. Our 2006 Syrah is already drinking nicely and should continue to do so for 3 to 5 years. northberkeleyimports.com
2005 Novelty Hill Syrah Columbia Valley (Washington State)
Broad and spicy, with earth and roasted red pepper notes adding interest to the dark cherry flavors, finishing with some tannic grip. Rated 88 Wine Spectator
The black fruit-scented 2003 Syrah, a fine value, is medium to full-bodied and offers big, bold black fruit flavors. This satin-textured effort is impressively endowed but appears unwilling to fully blossom on the palate. If this is corrected by short-term aging, my rating will seem overly conservative. Drink it between 2007 and 2012. Rated 87+ The Wine Advocate
2007 Viña Von Siebenthal Carabantes Syrah Aconcagua (Chile)
“The 2007 Syrah Carabantes offers up an enticing perfume of game, pepper, mineral, and black cherry. Layered, full-flavored, and remarkably complex for its humble price, this pleasure-bent Syrah has 2-3 years of aging potential but who will want to wait? If I were awarding an Oscar for finest performance by a winery, Von Siebenthal would be my winner. All of their wines are amazing values with the under $20 wines being nothing short of mind-boggling.” Rated 91 points The Wine Advocate
2006 Jenke Vineyards Shiraz Barossa (Australia)
This Barossa Shiraz eschews the superripe character found in many from the region in favor of a more balanced, Rhône-ish approach. There’s a base of raspberry and vanilla sweetness, but also lots of herbal and spice complexity—notably cracked pepper and black olives. Has enough soft tannins to suggest drinking now–2018. Rated 91 The Wine Enthusiast
2008 Stolpman Syrah Estate Santa Ynez Valley (California)
“Vivid ruby. An intensely perfumed, spicy bouquet displays red and dark berries, potpourri and Asian spices, with a hint of woodsmoke. Sappy, penetrating and sweet, with spicy red- and blackcurrant flavors and a velvety texture. The spicy and floral notes carry through a long, pure alluringly sweet finish. This could be drunk now or over the next five to seven years.” Rated 92, Josh Raynolds, Stephen Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar
2009 Rosemount Shiraz Estate South Eastern Australia (Australia)
Full-bodied, juicy-sweet palatte, with cherry, chocolate, cherry-pip, and plum flavors. The finish is supported by well balanced, long, silky smooth tannins. It is this fantastic finish that allows for great drinkability. rosemountestateusa.com