Thursday, November 5th 4:00 to 6:00

We will be tasting new releases of California Syrah, for inclusion on our list.  Stuart Timmons of Farrell Distribution will be on hand to discuss the wines and answer any questions. Syrah is the only grape used to make the famous Rhône wines of Côte Rotie and Hermitage, but also forms the backbone of most Rhône blends, including Chateauneuf du Pape. Although cultivated since antiquity, competing claims to the origin of this variety gave credit to it either being transplanted from Persia, near the similarly-titled city of Shiraz or to being a native plant of France. Starting in 1998, combined research of the University of California at Davis and the French National Agronomy Archives in Montpellier proved syrah is indeed indigenous to France. DNA profiling proved syrah to be a genetic cross of two relatively obscure varieties, mondeuse blanc and dureza. Syrah is a fairly new variety in California, first introduced in 1971. Some of the state's vines were propagated from Hermitage and some from Australian cuttings. It is also one of California's most rapidly increasing varieties. In 1984, there were less than 100 acres. Syrah now accounts for over 18,000 vineyard acres, almost half of which is less than three years old and not yet bearing fruit. In California the growing conditions are rather different, in fact very different. Syrah is grown virtually all over the state and while it's a grape that loves the heat, it's also a grape that can manage very well without it. Some people emphasize Syrah's "meatiness" both in flavor and texture. Others like the "brambly" quality of spice and dried herbs. Syrah forms intense wines, with deep violet, nearly black color, chewy texture and richness, and often alcoholic strength, with aromas that tend to be more spicy than fruity. The format will be casual, walk around with cheese and bread.  The wines featured will be:

St. Francis, Sonoma County 2004

Bridlewood, “Reserve”, Central Coast 2004

A sign-up sheet will be available at the front desk (253-5742 or 800-826-7000) and there will be a $15.00 fee per person.