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Collector's Corner

APRIL SHOWERS, LET IT POUR


Pour the wine that is!

In deciding which wines to feature at my upcoming Light & Bright tasting, I skipped over some fantastic summertime wines. This month's recommendation is one of those. It is from the same producer as the 2007 Rosato we will be evaluating at the wine tasting. It is a 2004 Château Julien Syrah produced from grapes grown on their estate vineyard in South Monterey County 's Lockwood Valley at an elevation of 980 feet above sea level in the western Santa Lucia Mountain Range. It is approximately 14 miles from the Pacific Ocean , which provides coastal influences for the valley's warm climate.

Syrah or Shiraz , as the names are interchangeable, traced its origin to the city of Shiraz in ancient Persia , which today is known as Iran . It was originally thought that people from Shiraz first made this wine some 7,000 years ago. Of course, I bet it wasn't nearly as good as today's wines! However, a DNA test performed in 1998 proved the variety had its origin in the Northern Rhône valley of France. Score one for the French!

It is generally called a Syrah in France and the United States , and a Shiraz in South Africa , Australia , and Canada . Do not confuse this wine with a Petite Syrah, which is another hybrid grape.

Syrah is the only red grape allowed in Côte-Rôtie wines and some other Northern Rhône appellations (wine growing areas with specific characteristics). Although often blended with other grapes, as in the case of most Châteaunuf-du-Pape, which contains Grenache, Mourvèdre, and Syrah (GMS), this month's recommendation contains 100% Syrah.

The reason I recommend this wine and a Syrah or Shiraz in general for a summertime wine is that most, if not all, of us like to grill or, as we say here in Texas, barbecue (BBQ) outdoors during the summer. Syrah with its powerful fruit flavors and full-body has notes of white pepper and is a great complement to grilled or barbecued meats and spicy sauces. This 2004 Château Julien (CJ) has all the typical Syrah attributes along with moderate tannins, smoky oak and layers of vanilla.

As with most premium Syrah or Shiraz , this one will improve with age and can be cellared for an easy 10-15 years, if you can wait that long. If you can't, buy two, one to drink now and one to lay-up (cellar). Of course, if you are like me, you will need more than two if one is going to make it 15 years! If your local wine merchant doesn't carry this selection, it can be ordered directly from the winery for $28.00 per 750ml bottle plus shipping. Just clink on the Château Julien link below.

I hope everyone has a chance to make it to the Light & Bright wine tasting on April 12, 2008, in Houston , Texas (see my Home page). My friends attending this tasting will be treated to some delicious hors d'oeuvres and desserts prepared by my Executive Chef, Mr. Glen Ward, and Pastry Chef, Ms. Deborah Stafford. Both are available for catering even non-wine events. If you are unable to join us this time, keep watching for the next one in your area. Or better yet, if you are considering hosting a wine tasting or dinner party, give me a call and allow me to assist you.

Until next month,

Cheers!

 

 
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