Bottle Notes, Syrah

Pick My Next Bottle – Cult Syrah

The December installment of Pick My Next Bottle focuses on some of the very best domestic Syrah producers. As I mentioned in the first installment, the purpose of this series is to provide insight into specific wines or producers you may currently have in your cellar. The winning bottle will be opened this Saturday and a Bottle Note will be…

Continue Reading

Bottle Notes, Syrah

2007 Grand Rêve Vintners / Force Majeure Collaboration Series II – Bottle Notes

Previously known as Grand Rêve, Force Majeure was founded in 2004 by Paul McBride and Ryan Johnson. Force Majeure pairs some of Washington’s highly acclaimed winemakers with fruit from one of Washington’s highly acclaimed vineyards, Ciel du Cheval. The winemakers contributing to the Collaboration Series is a Who’s Who of Washington winemakers including Ben Smith, Carolyn Lakewold, Chris Gorman, James…

Continue Reading

Bottle Notes, Syrah

2003 Dehlinger Estate Syrah – Bottle Notes

Dehlinger Winery is located in the Russian River Valley of Sonoma County and was founded in 1975 by Tom and Carole Dehlinger. Eva Dehlinger took over winemaking duties in 2007. Known for their Pinot Noir, Dehlinger also makes Chardonnay, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon. The grapes for Dehlinger Wines are primarily grown on the Estate Vineyard in the Russian River Valley.…

Continue Reading

Bottle Notes, Syrah

2011 Lauren Ashton Cellars Syrah – Bottle Notes

Lauren Ashton Cellars was founded in 2009 by Kit Singh. A Dentist by profession, Kit’s passion for wine was fueled by trips to Napa, Sonoma and Europe’s best known wine regions. Kit’s enology background includes classes at UC Davis and Seattle Community College along with an internship at Delille Cellars. The inspiration for the name of the winery was Kit’s…

Continue Reading

Betz Family Winery
Bottle Notes, Syrah

Betz Family Winery Fall 2013 Release Party

Betz Family Winery was founded in 1997 by Bob & Cathy Betz. Critical acclaim from local and national wine publications has put Betz Family Winery at the forefront of Washington wines alongside Cayuse, Leonetti and Quilceda Creek. The winery was sold to Steve and Bridget Griessel (with Bob Betz remaining on as the winemaker), and I fully expect quality will…

Continue Reading

2004 Cayuse Armada Vineyard Syrah
Bottle Notes, Syrah

2004 Cayuse Syrah Armada Vineyard – Bottle Notes

Cayuse was founded in 1997 by Christophe Baron, a native of France who grew up in family of winemakers in Champagne. Baron studied viticulture in Burgundy and Champagne, and had ambitions to make Pinot Noir in Oregon. However, on a visit to Walla Walla he found property that he believed would be perfect for growing grapes and decided to purchase…

Continue Reading

2009 Carlisle Sonoma County Syrah
Bottle Notes, Syrah

2009 Carlisle Syrah Sonoma County – Bottle Notes

Carlisle Winery & Vineyards was founded in 1998 by Mike and Kendall Officer. Their passion is clear: small lots of Zinfandel and Syrah from exceptional, historic vineyards. The 2009 Sonoma County Syrah is composed of 39% Sonoma Valley Syrah from Rossi Ranch, 23% Paso Robles Syrah, 19% Russian River Syrah from Papa’s Block and 19% Sonoma Mountain Syrah from Steiner…

Continue Reading