What are we Pouring?
SYRAH/SHIRAZ: DANCE OF BALANCE
French winemakers who tend syrah (pronounced "sear-RAHH") vineyards in the rocky soil of the northern Rhone Valley revere the ancient black grape for its elegant but powerful dance of balance in red wines such as Côte-Rôtie, St-Joseph and Hermitage. Australian vintners, who call it Shiraz (pronounced "sheer- RAZ"), and California wine producers have likewise venerated it for its resilience in the vineyard and its tendency to smell like plums covered in black pepper. Now emerging on the syrah/shiraz scene is the Republic of South Africa, with its dry, sunny climate and centuries of winemaking skill. This is a vinous marriage that's certain to last.
Lindemans South Africa 2005 Shiraz, South Africa ($8)
After delighting wine lovers for years with superb values from its native Australia, Lindemans now offers terrific values from South Africa. This chocolate-covered cherry– like, smoky Shiraz could sell for $15. Couple it with beef stir-fry or chicken fajitas for a special treat.
C.G. Di Arie 2004 Syrah, The Gallery Collection;
Sierra Foothills, California ($30)
An assertive, age-worthy bruiser from California's Sierra Foothills, Arie Syrah is as dry as stone and features, even at this early stage, an admirable balance between the dried fruit (raisins, dates), the lofty alcohol level (14.9 percent) and the veritable dump trucks of tannins. Lay it down for four to six years, then serve it with barbecued or smoked meats.
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