The Verdict on the Syrahs (continued)

Miss Erica Sips Syrah

We reviewed the first two Syrahs yesterday, so it's on to the rest that we tasted last Sunday. Most of our picks are from Australia, with a few exceptions. This is for no other reason than the fact that there are many Australian Syrahs. Odds are people are going to buy them. Oh yeah, if you are serving cheese, Gouda is good with Syrah. I only say this because I bought Camembert and garlic goat cheese for my tasting, neither of which go well with Syrah according to my wine and cheese companion book. Stupidly, I checked the book after I bought the cheese. Camembert is good with hard cider and the Chevre pairs with Sauvignon Blanc, FYI. I don't think my tasting guests noticed the faux pas.

And on to the Syrah, Shiraz, la te da....

3) 2003 Yalumba Shiraz, South Australia, $8.99
I tasted light cherry and liquorice and found this wine acidic with a sharp finish. I wasn't crazy about it. John said this wine smelled like a rubber ball with some light pepper. He found it smooth and velvety in the mouth but with a bitter aftertaste. Marlo tasted strawberry and said this wine smelled like baby lotion and pepper.

4) 2003 Paringa, S. Australia, around $8
This wine smelled of vanilla and tasted of ripe cherries. I liked it better once it opened a bit. Michael said this wine would be good with a burger. Erica said this wine smelled earthy and tasted like lots of plum. So is it plum or cherry? This reviewer , a wine writer named Josh Reynolds, says we are both right!
Dark red. Brooding, roasted dark fruit scents, with notes of coffee and chocolate. Thick and dense, with a flavor of roasted plum and a slightly viscous texture. The finishing impression is of dark, roasted berry and cherry fruit and very soft tannins.

5) 2004 Deakin Estate Shiraz, Australia, $7.99
I also tasted cherry and vanilla in this one and found it acidic. Marlo said this wine lacked depth and was acidic. Erica thought this one smelled like mushrooms and didn't have much of a finish. Michael found this wine cloudy and pungent. "They say the same thing about me, though." BevMo's website recommends drinking it with pork ribs. The winemakers say this wine offers raisin and fruitcake on the nose and dark berry fruit on the tongue. Pair with red meat.

6) 2003 Edna Valley Paragon Syrah, Central Coast (CA) $14
This was my second favorite wine and other people agreed this wine was quite nice. Edna Valley is known for its Chardonnay. My mom recently discovered their Chard and raves about it.
This Syrah is no Chard, however. It has a pissy, earthy smell, nice fruit and a soft, lingering finish. Erica didn't like it so much. Michael said this wine "packs a wollop. Eat with red meat." He also mentions Raymond Chandler in some capacity but I can't read his writing very well. Here's how Wine Spectator described this wine, which was one of its daily wine pics: "Rich and fleshy, with beef, peppery plum and lead pencil shadings." I love it!

March 3, 2006

The Verdict on the Syrahs (continued)

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