2002 Terre Rouge Syrah Les Cotes de L'Ouest

[VouvrayHead]

from just outside of Amador. This wine was $14, and tastes like something well over $20...

Really strong extraction... Deep dark color, big fruity nose. tastes like blackberry jam and pepper and smoke. It's not the most complex, but the intensity is really impressive with good structure and a long finish.

Most Rhone rangers I've tasted go for the south, but this one is definitely trying to do the north. It would be a beast (and probably a better, but age-required wine) with more tannins, but as it is it's still a big boy but also easy to drink despite it's fairly young age.

For what it's worth, WE gave it 93 pts. I'm often let down by WE (more than WS or WA), but not this time.

[Innkeeper]

One of our favorite wineries! Have not rehooked with them since moving, but will soon. If you get on their mailing list, they put out a great Fall Sampler in the autumn, that is a big savings, and great wine.

[VouvrayHead]

hey, thanks for the heads-up. i'll definitely look into that!

[Innkeeper]

We popped the '04 that came with this year's sampler. It is now a $16 wine with 14.5% alcohol. It carries the CA appellation because the grapes come from a vineyard site just outside Amador County.

It gives you wild raspberries on the nose and upfront. Another ton of fruit with herbs, pepper, and smooth tannin course one's palate, and the finish lingers.

We matched it with (you guessed it) charcoal grilled loin ends Teriyaki, brown Basmati rice, and sliced Brandywine tomatoes.

This wine is a terrific value. We may be getting a case of it.