Bottle Notes, Syrah

2005 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, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petite Sirah. The grapes for Dehlinger Wines are largely grown on the Estate Vineyard in the Russian…

Continue Reading

Bottle Notes, Syrah

2005 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

2005 Betz La Cote Rousse
Bottle Notes, Syrah

2005 Betz Family Syrah La Côte Rousse – Bottle Notes

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. Although the winery was recently sold to Steve and Bridget Griessel (with Bob Betz remaining on as the winemaker), I expect quality will…

Continue Reading

2005 Lillian Syrah
Bottle Notes, Syrah

2005 Lillian Syrah – Bottle Notes

The 2005 Lillian Syrah was the leading vote getter in the November Installment of Pick My Next Bottle. The wine originally received a score of 92 points from the Wine Advocate. I decanted the wine for 30 minutes and paired it with a homemade pizza. Maggie Harrison was assistant winemaker to Manfred Krankl of Sine Qua Non for eight years…

Continue Reading

2005 Carlisle Pelkan Ranch Syrah
Bottle Notes, Syrah

2005 Carlisle Syrah Pelkan Ranch – Bottle Notes

Carlisle Winery & Vineyards was founded in 1998 by Mike & Kendall Officer. Their passion is clear: small lots of Zinfandel and Syrah from exceptional, historic vineyards. Pelkan Ranch is in the Knights Valley AVA. Located at 1000′ elevation on a rocky ridge top facing Mount St. Helena, the vineyard produces intense, thick-skinned Syrah. Being at a higher altitude and…

Continue Reading