If you read my last post on VERGE Wines, you know that I already love them. This time, they are releasing their 2007 VERGE Syrah, from Dry creek Valley. It is only the winery’s second vintage, and it is impressive.
VERGE Wines specializes in what they call “Fringe Vineyards”, those that are outside the norm. In this case, on the edges of Dry Creek Valley. Additionally, VERGE focuses on vineyards that are farmed organically, bio-dynamically, and sustainable - while still producing yummy wines. Mike Brunson, the head cheese…oh winemaker…for VERGE and another favorite, Michel-Schlumberger, has been making syrah for over 15 years.
Last year, I was hot on the heels of the VERGE Viognier. Now, I’m loving the Syrah. The 2007 Syrah is primarily Grist Vineyard fruit, where the grapes are shrouded in fog up on Bradford Mountain. I have a soft spot for this vineyard, as I made Zinpatico Zinfandel at Crushpad in 2008 from their fruit, and it is yummy. Only 50 cases of this beauty were produced, and it shows flavors of blueberries, blackberries, baking spice, and black cherries. It was a juicy syrah, and i smelled blackberries (I can never tell which KIND of blackberries though!) and cassis. ON the palate the first thing I noticed was YUM! I really enjoyed this wine. I tasted black raspberries, chocolate covered cherries and blackberries with a hint of salami (no i was NOT eating it at the time), bacon, and toasted marshmallow. At the end I also tasted prunes and a touch of tar with a zing of hibiscus.
Lucky for me, Jay Kell gave me two bottles to sample because that first one dissaprered in a hurry! At $40, it might be pricy for your average wine, but for a handcrafted syrah, it’s worth it if you’re a Syrah freak like I am. STRONG BUY
Wine was provided by VERGE Wines, though I plan to add some to my cellar.
