2000 Cline Syrah, Los Carneros Vineyard

[hotwine]

A Sonoma County single-vineyard bottling from Cline; only 4291 cases produced. Deep red, almost black in the glass, powerful nose of crushed blackberries and pepper, more on the palate with a clean mouthfeel and strong finish. Label says 14.5% alc/vol but feels more like 13%. About $19. Should go at least another 5 years before beginning to fade. Delightful with Debra's chicken enchiladas wrapped in low-carb asparagus (!) tortillas, Spanish rice and beans. She says I'm to smoke a brisket for Mother's Day, so may have to sacrifice another of these; should be even better with oak-smoked 'Q.

[Innkeeper]

Sounds great. Whatcha doing for Cinco de Mayo? We're doing our Mexican Pork Roll with Mole Sauce and rice. Perhaps uncorking something like a TJ Dusi Vineyard Zin with it.

[hotwine]

We'll probably ignore it and stay well clear of the west side of SA, where 9mm and 30-30's pass for fireworks.