1999 Deerfield Ranch Syrah

[hotwine]

Yesterday afternoon, Debra said, "Let's grill some steaks tonight", and I was out the door to start an oak fire in the pit before she even finished the sentence. Dug some T-bones out of the freezer, and she fixed some fresh beets, boiled potatoes and Swiss chard. I figured it was the ideal opportunity to try this Syrah from the Sonoma Valley, and it didn't let us down. Very nicely blended flavors of spice, black pepper and coffee, and a mouthfeel as smooth as silk. 13.9% ABV and $22 at a discount retailer. Distribution is tiny: only 200 cases were made, and the wines of this outfit are only available in Texas, Chicago, Atlanta, San Francisco and Bermuda. The distributor within Texas works out of Pleasanton, south of San Antonio, and I have no idea if he has reached Houston or Dallas. But for folks in the areas of Chicago, San Fran and Atlanta, this one is worth looking for.