Why Wine: Joeshico Wine Review; Atwater Estate Vineyards Syrah 2007

Syrah has always been one to those wines I could take or leave it. Almost all that I had ever tasted were the Shiraz from Australia. While visiting Damiani Wine Cellars on Seneca Lake this past spring I tasted an excellent Syrah and I was sold. From that day on I was a fan. I found that the Syrah's produced here in the US were smoother and not as bold as the full bodied Shiraz I had become accustomed to. Then again maybe I just have to taste a few more and that's not a bad thing now, is it?
On a recent tour I found what I believe is the best (so far) Finger Lakes Syrah and it was just a short drive south of Damiani at the Atwater Estate Vineyards.


Winemakers Notes:
Syrah has found an ideal home in the Finger Lakes, where our climate mimics France's Rhone Valley, where the grape produces some of the finest wines in the world. Cool-climate Syrah produces elegant wines, brimming with dark fruit, spice and earth. With a velvety palate of mulberry, pepper and mocha, this dry Syrah will complement grilled meats, beef stew, and classic French cassoulet.

My notes:
I found a whole lot of dark plum in the aromas and the palate with a little earth. Very smooth feel and finish with a little white pepper and a bit of sweet raspberry added to the plum. Probably the mulberry, which I have no idea what that taste like, gave it that hint of sweetness in a very nice dry wine.

I enjoyed the Syrah with Shirley's three bean chili. Not quite a cassoulet, but as close as I'll get.
Would really like to try with my daughters beef bourguignon (ala, Julia Child).

Unfortunately, there were only 113 cases produced. The price is very competitive with other Finger Lakes Syrah at $32, but can only be found on-line at Atwater Estates Vineyards or at the winery, which has one of the most fantastic views of Seneca Lake.

• Acres: 0 - Saw Mill Creek Vineyards, Hector, NY
• Year first planted: n/a
  
• Residual Sugar: .1%
• Alcohol: 13%
• Acid: .66%
• pH: 3.41
• Cases produced: 113

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Penfolds, Bin 2 Shiraz/Mourvedre 2006 (Australia)
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Barons de Rothschild, Bordeaux Reserve Speciale 2006 (France)
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