McCrae Cuvee Orleans Syrah

[stevebody]

I'll ake this short and sweet: This is maybe THE BEST American Syrah I've EVER tasted. It's a true American Cote-Rotie. Great, edgy, intense flavors, rustic notes galore (saddle leather, beef blood, grilled meat, limestone), and an absolute explosion of fruit. It reminds me a lot of the Eric Rostaing Cote Roties and E. Guigal's Bruen et Blonde Cuvee. It's pricey - about $44 - but man, what a bottle of juice!

[Bucko]

My note on the 2000:

2000 McCrea, Syrah, Cuvee Orleans, Yakima Valley, Washington, $50. McCrea Cellars is red hot. It seems they have the magic touch. Very polished, with respectable acidity, this wine is simply packed with Bing cherry, raspberry, blackberry, and sweet oak flavors. The berry aftertaste seems endless. Charming! 92/90.

[winoweenie]

I agree. Am starting to get itchy about the 98 Orleans, Ciel du Cheval, and the Bouchey. Will open after my current sabbatical. WW