Super Syrah

[Scoop]

At dinner this past weekend, I ordered a bottle of "Shooting Star" Syrah, Steele Vineyards,1998, based more on my experience with Steele's Pinots than anything else (and that we needed a full-bodied wine with our dinner choices). What a treat! Delicious smokey black fruit and herbs -- even a little animal funk -- with beautiful balanced acidity, nice chewy tannins and a long finish. I recognize that California has been producing some good Syrahs, but this is approaching something like a Cote Rotie! I haven't seen it in the shops, so I don't know the retail price or if it is widely available. But it is excellent.

Cheers,

Scoop

[Bucko]

They made that wine with WA fruit at one time. Always a nice wine at a reasonable price.

Bucko

[Scoop]

Didn't realize Washington was Syrah country, but if the "Shooting Star" is any indication, then it should be!

Scoop

[Bucko]

I think Syrah has the best potential of all grapes in WA. It gets really hot over in the Walla Walla area during the summer, which the grape likes. McCrea turns out a bottle called Tierra del Sol that is delicious.

Bucko

[Scoop]

It certainly does loves the heat. I'll look for the McCrea.

Thanks,

Scoop