Wine of the Month

Bonterra Vineyards

Syrah Mendocino County 2001

Bonterra Vinyards
2231 McNab Ranch Road
Ukiah, CA 95482

800 846-8637
 

Winemaker: Richard Blue

Comment:

Syrah is a grape associated with two styles of wine: the elegant, reserved wines of the Rhone Valley in France and the friendly, fruitier wine of Australia.

Bonterra's Syrah is follows more closely the Mediterranean style, but still brings thought of licorice, blackberries, and pepper to those who taste it.  We found it an excellent food-friendly red, a rich and fruity wine particularly suited to roasted meats such as leg of lamb or duck.

Syrah is seen by many as the "next big red" in the United States.  The great success of Australian Shiraz (as the Syrah grape is called there) in America has encouraged our winegrowers, who formed groups such as the "Rhone Rangers" to promote the growth of Syrah here.  California acreage devoted to Syrah has increased greatly over the last decade, and the quality of the wine available has increased along with it.

Bonterra, a strong advocate of organic wine-growing practices, produces a Syrah well-worth finding.