1999 Pepperwood Grove Syrah

[Drew]

I'm not usually a fan of Pepperwood Grove but....Great QPR, strong nose of ripe plum, chocolate and earthy notes. Dark black ruby. Like flavors, CHOCOLATE, with a medium long spicy finish...very Rhonish. 12.5%Alc/vol. $6.99

Drew

[Drew]

Went back and bought a case at 5.99 per...wife loved it too.

Drew

[wondersofwine]

Drew,
I'm not familiar with Pepperwood Grove--California or Australia? What region?

[Drew]

California.

Drew

[Innkeeper]

2000 Pepperwood Grove, Syrah, California ($7.59 Jason's Wine & Spirits, Ellicott City, MD). Remembering that SB gave this a big buildup earlier this year, I picked this one up during our April roadtrip. Popped it last night. It is the best under $10 bottle of wine so far this year peroid. It is right up there with many in the $18 to $20 range that we regularly enjoy. Am anxious to see how it compares with the 1998 Bianchi Syrah from Roberto that is now rested up in the cellar and ready to go.

Would bet a lot that at least the preponderance of the Pepperwood Grove juice comes from Paso Robles. There is something of a signiture that Paso puts on its syrah. Starts with a blast of blackberry jam on the nose and upfront. Very complex, spicy and smooth juice cross the palate, the finish is three alarm. Matched it with mesquite smoked bacon burgers, hash browns, and salad.

I put crumbled bacon in the meat along with splashes of Worchestershire Sauce and Liquid Smoke, and shakes and grindings of ground fennel, Lawry salt, black pepper, granulated onion and garlic, and a handful of chives. Excellente!