Variety the Spice of Life; Syrah / Shiraz

Sometimes you can find one that is light-bodied, while most range from medium to full body and some can be the most complex and full bodied red wine around.  But, no matter the body Syrah / Shiraz is always EXPRESSIVE and flavorful! Very often the aromas carry over in the flavors making this wine straight forward and enjoyable.

Flavors Commonly Experienced :

• Blackberry
• Raspberry
• Currant  
• Liquorice
• Leather  
• Spices / Pepper
• Oak  Raisin

Syrah / Shiraz is one type of grape with two equally popular names.  All romantic folklore aside the genetics research has proven that this grape is native to Southern France.  It is the result of two obscure French varieties crossing: Dureza and Mondeuse Blanche.  It is most likely that this crossing was a random natural occurance.  While being grown in all locations of grerat wine making, the best examples of Syrah / Shiraz come from France's Rhône Valley, Australia and California.

Some Recommended Syrah / Shiraz...

• Shiraz, GREG NORMAN, Limestone Coast, South Australia, 2010

And please reply to this blog; 
what is your  favorite Syrah?

BRANNON'S CAFE
WINE LIST

Merlot, CHATEAU STE. MICHELLE, Sustainably Grown, Cold Creek Vineyard, Columbia Valley, Washington, 2009

Chateau Ste. Michelle is Washington state’s Founding Winery, with some of the oldest and most acclaimed vineyards in the Columbia Valley.  “Cold Creek’s 30-plus-year-old vines deliver a big, bold Merlot.

• SUCCULENT  

• Blackberry

• Black Cherry   

• Bittersweet Chocolate

• Vanilla  

• Oak / Butter

Planted in the early 1970s, Cold Creek Vineyard is one of Washington’s oldest and most acclaimed vineyards.  Located east of Yakima; south of the Columbia River.  Cold Creek Vineyard enjoys one of the longest and warmest growing seasons in the Columbia Valley.  The low yielding old vines produce small clusters and small berries, resulting in intense varietal flavors and deep rich color.  

And please reply to this blog; 
have you tried this Merlot?

BRANNON'S CAFE
WINE LIST

Variety the Spice of Life; Merlot

Merlot is SUCCULENT, often jammy, with fruit flavors being dominate.  I am associating "EXPERIENTIAL DESCRIPTORS" in all caps with each variety, and Merlot is all about the experience.  It is less about the specific fruit flavor that is there and more about it being "JUICY" or "JAMMY."  Merlot is in the medium body territory and it can make it to full bodied and complex. 

Flavors Commonly Experienced :

• Blackberry  

• Currant

• Cherry  

• Plum

• Walnut  

• Mint

• Vanilla  

• Oak / Butter

Merlot's name comes from "merle" French for blackbird, because of the color of the fruit.  Research suggests Merlot may be a mutation of Cabernet Franc, though it also strongly resembles Carmenère. It is a relatively new grape and is believed to be native to Bordeaux, France and it is being successfully grown all over the world with the best examples coming from France, California and Washington.

Recommended Merlot...

• Merlot, CHATEAU STE. MICHELLE, Sustainably Grown, Cold Creek Vineyard, Columbia Valley, Washington
• Merlot, BENZIGER, SUSTAINABLY GROWN, Sonoma County, California
• Merlot, CELLAR NO. 8, California

And please reply to this blog; what is your  favorite Merlot?

BRANNON'S CAFE
WINE LIST