As reported in the Food and Wine section of the April 8^th edition of the San Francisco Chronicle, “one of the great overlooked facts about Syrah: Historically, even in its motherland, this grape has made truly great wine in only a very, very small portion of the World-essentially a 50-mile stretch along the Rhone River.”  “To find a spot where it can use the full timbre of its voice is a great achievement.”  “After our most recent tasting of Syrah from Sonoma County, mostly from its coastal appellations”, the San Francisco Chronicle argues that the “Sonoma Coast is a gorgeously good match of grape and place,” especially Syrah’s from this area.   

Is it any wonder why we love the wines from Sonoma, with its diverse appellations and weather patterns so great for grapes? 

Here at Locals we have four Sonoma Syrah’s.  Why not stop by and try a pairing yourself and make your own determination on the Syrah’s from these appellations as well weight in on; is Sonoma County truly the sweet spot in America for this varietal?  First in your flight might be Ehret Syrah 2007.  This Syrah was all handpicked from Estate Bavarian Lion Vineyards.  The slightly higher elevation combined with the rich volcanic soil and warm sunny days create ideal growing conditions for Syrah.  Notes of ripe, chewy, black fruits on the nose with hints of spice and green apple temp you to drink the whole thing!  This Syrah sells for $32 a bottle retail at Locals or for two bottle and 6 bottle club members it sells for $27.20 and $25.60 respectively.  Second in your flight might be Peterson Bradford Mountain Syrah.  This 2007 “Gravity Flow Block”, Syrah is a big, flavorful wine.  A portion of this block is planted to Viognier which is picked and co-fermented with the Syrah (a classic method of the Northern Rhone region mentioned in the San Francisco Chronicle article), Aromas of blackberry, mineral and oak notes and just a touch of fine-grain leather will lead you to tastes of rich dark berries, creamy mocha and hints of minerality, leather and earth.  Peterson Bradford Mountain Syrah sells retail at Locals for $48 a bottle and savings for club members are seen in the $40.80 and $38.40 for two bottle and six bottle club members respectively.  Moving on in the Syrah pairing at Locals is Russian Hill-Estate Syrah.  This unfiltered Syrah, with Malolactic fermentation taking place in oak barrels is softer to the palate with flavors of white pepper, nutmeg, cocoa, smoke, plum and dark fruited flavors.  Russian Hill Estate Syrah sells for $30.00 a bottle retail and always club member save at $$25.50 and $24.00 for two bottle and six bottle members respectively. 

Next on your journey down the wine road try Eric Ross Gout De La Vigne, from the famed Alder Springs Vineyard.  Elevations reaching 2700 feet above sea level and only 14 clusters per vine carrying less than half the normal crop load help the Syrah ripen with not only power but the elegance of a cold climate Syrah which is co-fermented with Viognier from the same vineyard which adds to the strengths of this Syrah.  Aromas of blueberry, pepper and eucalyptus with hits of licorice, integrated French and American oak barrels add a lovely Smokey note to this full bodied wine.  Gout De La Vigne sells for $45 for non club members and $38.25 and $36.00 for two bottle and six bottle members respectively.

I hope a couple of things resonate with you in this article, first is the opportunity as always at Locals, to stop by and sample some wines.  Not only the ones you like and are familiar with but try something new and expand your palate.  Second, at Locals our tastings are free as we want customers to find the wines they love, and to consider joining our Club and Saving on all purchase as well as meeting new friends while sampling at great wines with us.  See you soon.