Syrah may be one of the most know of the wine grapes grown in the Rhone Valley of France. It is also the predominant wine poured at the Rhone Rangers tasting in Seattle, Washington. Some Syrahs of not included Maison Bleue’s Liberté. This syrah was a ruby color and offered violets and dark fruit on the aroma and taste. There were tannins on the crisp fruity finish. Maison Bleue Winery is located in Prosser, Washington. Searching for a Syrah with bold tannins I found Pride Mountain Vineyards’ 2008 Syrah, Sonoma. This Syrah had spices, cherries and dark fruit on the aroma and taste and along with bold tannins and fruit on the finish. Pride Mountain Vineyards hails from St. Helena, California. Snoqualmie, also from Prosser had a 2006 Syrah, Reserve. This dark purple Syrah had dark fruit and spice on the aroma and taste with smoke nuances. The finish had tannins and was fruity.

Tasting the Syrahs reminded me of summer barbeques and grilled meats. A perfect summer day would end with a chilled Viognier or Marsanne followed by any meat grilled and a Syrah.

What do you like to drink during the summer?

Cheers,
Terry