Tobin James Syrah

[Innkeeper]

The bad news is that there are no more '98s except in private cellars. The good news is that the '99s are even better!!! While the '98 was appropriately named "Sky High", James has christened the '99 with the moniker "Rock-N-Roll." Very appropriate. Ready to drink now, and will cellar for three or four years, or longer, but the super ripe fruit should not be missed. This wine is quite different from most Shiraz' from Oz we've tried, or anything from the Rhone.

Central Coast Syrah is coming on strong as a force to be reckoned with. Definitely New World, but unlike those from Oz. The thing all syrah/shiraz' have in common is their affinity for lamb. We matched Rock-N-Roll up with grilled shoulder chops with lemon-mint-OO marinade.

Take a small (one cup) blender jar. Pack it full of mint leaves. Add 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice with a teaspoon of lemon zest, 1/3 cup of OO, and half teaspoon of seasoned salt. Blend all together into a green mayonnaise. Pour over chops and marinate for an hour or two. Grill for fifteen minutes, turning once.

Happines is having a case of Rock-N-Roll in the cellar.