It's been six years since Navarro has made a Syrah. We love this grape but since we can't grow it successfully in Navarro's chilly vineyards we depend on grapes from neighbors. In 2002 we were lucky to get Syrah from McDowell Valley, one of the few appellations in California that has been growing Syrah since before Prohibition. In addition, our neighbors Sam and Muggs Baker have planted a small patch of Syrah on Greenwood Ridge. Their vineyard is protected from the wind and the nights are warmer than on the valley floor. Even combining these two lots we produced less than 300 cases but that's better than nothin'. The most famous of the world's Syrah is from Hermitage, a big, brawny wine that is meant to age for years. The trendiest of the world's Syrah is from Australia where it is called Shiraz. While some Shiraz is made to age, the majority charms the consumer while young and full of fruit. Navarro's Syrah falls somewhere in between these styles. This wine is rich with blackberry and blueberry aromas, with whiffs of cedar and candy-cap mushrooms.

---

---

We welcomed the return of this variety to Navarro's portfolio with a mildly spicy dinner of Chicken Enchilada Torte. Buy more than one bottle so you can stash at least one in your cellar. Unfortunately there isn't a 2003 Syrah, so this will have to last at least two years. Gold Medal winner. Best of Class.

---