Category Archives: Syrah/Shiraz

RECOMMENDED: More from Casey Flat Ranch.

Posted on May 17, 2014 by Carolyn Blakeslee

2013 Viognier, 14.1% ABV, $20 SRP. This lovely light-straw-colored wine started out with canteloupe, a hint of citrus, and a delicate candy (circus peanuts!) flavor, which always delights the heck out of me on the rare occasions I encounter it … Continue reading →

Posted in California, Rosé, Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah/Shiraz, Viognier | Leave a comment

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED: Casey Flat Ranch “CFR” 2010 Estate Red Wine, Capay Valley, 14.8% ABV, $35 SRP.

Posted on May 14, 2014 by Carolyn Blakeslee

WOW. This opaque, nearly-black wine was smooth yet charismatic from the get-go. Flavors of cassis and blackberries played nice with the pleasant but not-overbearing wood overlay of faint cedar. This was an extraordinarily rich potion that was balanced, impressive, and … Continue reading →

Posted in Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Mourvedre, Red Blend, Syrah/Shiraz | Leave a comment

New Branding: Pennywise (and an excellent Cabernet Sauvignon)

Posted on July 1, 2013 by Carolyn Blakeslee

I don’t normally pay much attention to labels. (Kind of a contradiction, as I’m an artist and publication designer/editor.) However, the Pennywise redesign caught my attention in a big way. The previous Pennywise label was okay. Reminiscent of a postage … Continue reading →

Posted in Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Merlot, News, Syrah/Shiraz | 2 Comments

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED: 2009 Kendall Jackson Vintner’s Reserve “Summation” red blend (43% Zinfandel, 24% Syrah, 21% Merlot, 5% Grenache, 4% Petite Sirah, 3% Other varietals), California. 13.5% ABV. $17 SRP, usually $13, available for as little as $8.99.

Posted on August 4, 2012 by Carolyn Blakeslee

Late last year, I reviewed the 2009 K-J “Summation” white blend and highly recommended it (see http://www.thefrugalwinesnob.com/?p=670). We’ve also enjoyed several bottles of the 2008 “Summation” red blend, which was a “special occasion” everyday house wine for us, if that … Continue reading →

Posted in California, Grenache/Garnacha, Merlot, Petite Sirah, Red Blend, Syrah/Shiraz, Zinfandel | 3 Comments

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED: Domaine Juliette Avril 2009 Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Southern Rhone. 14.5% ABV, $30-55.

Posted on March 12, 2012 by Carolyn Blakeslee

We don’t normally review wines that cost more than $20, but this one was so remarkable, we HAD to say something. If you can find this wine on sale, pick it up. It’s a marvelous blend of Grenache, Syrah, and … Continue reading →

Posted in France, Grenache/Garnacha, Mourvedre, Restaurants, Syrah/Shiraz | 2 Comments

RECOMMENDED: Concannon Conservancy 2009 “Crimson & Clover,” Livermore Valley, CA. Red blend: 50% Petite Sirah, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Syrah, 10% Zinfandel. 13.7% ABV. $15, available for as little as $9.99.

Posted on February 14, 2012 by Carolyn Blakeslee

“Crimson & Clover” is our Valentine’s Day selection, because this wine was based on love. Not romantic love, mind you, but true, lasting, and growing love. Our Samples Policy states, “We love a good back-story” and invites winemakers and publicists … Continue reading →

Posted in Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Petite Sirah, Red Blend, Syrah/Shiraz, Zinfandel | Leave a comment

STRONGLY RECOMMENDED: Dependable 2009 Red Blend (50% Syrah, 40% Grenache, 5% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon), Coteaux de Bessilles (Languedoc). 13% ABV. Difficult to find; $17.50 at Civilization, a bistro in Gainesville, FL, where it is their house red.

Posted on February 10, 2012 by Carolyn Blakeslee

Single-grape varietal wines can be astonishing, even stunning, when weather, harvest, and winemaker are in perfect synch. But it’s no secret we also admire, and often prefer, the skills of those winemakers who successfully blend superior (and dependable) wines, both … Continue reading →

Posted in Cabernet Sauvignon, France, Grenache/Garnacha, Merlot, Red Blend, Syrah/Shiraz | 2 Comments