Luscious Lushes

On the Verge (again)

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.

On the Verge

Recently, I was able to attend the annual Slow Food Wine & Food tasting in San Francisco. While, there I had the opportunity to taste with Jay Kell of Verge Cellars, who is making some great wines up in Dry Creek Valley. Jay got his start at Michel-Schlumberger, another one of my Dry Creek Valley faves, and continues the tradition of exceptional quality, small lot wines.

VERGE specializes in Syrah, but at The Golden Glass tasting, I was wowed by the Vioginer. I am always looking for new and fresh whites to drink during the warmer months, and since I’m not a huge Chard swiller, Viognier is a great alternativ for those of us who don’t like a 2×4 in their glass.

The 2008 Dry Creek valley Viognier comes from the western edge of the valley, and the cooler location and North South planting helps the wine maintain it’s zesty acidity and crisp citrus burst. I found this wine refreshing and lush, full of stone fruit flavors with a naturally creamy edge. There was a citrus burst, lemon curd, and pink grapefruit soiree going on in my glass, and represents all of my favorite things about a great white wine. There is a touch of Semillion blended in to the Viognier which gives it a rich mouthfeel and creamy finish that I just love. 100% stainless steel fermentation gives this a crisp edge and a subtle finish.

I’ve really been seeking out new wines recently, and while there certainly are a lot of misses in the white wine category, this is an affordable luxury at $24.

Happy drinking!