Brambles and berries, with sour cherry and five spice powder on the finish. Touch of dill (probably american oak).Drinkable now, but unusually firm tannins still need some time to resolve. B/B+
Ridge is one of the few wineries left who produc reds that expect to be aged. For 5 years or more.
None of this - lets drink it now stuff that became popular in the 90s. Reds are expected to cellared, and then enjoyed. Makes it tough to decide what you want, but I have NEVER been disappointed by Ridge - in the long run that is.
Eric: Try Chateau St Michelle (Wash.), Qupe, Cline. Also, some of the widely available Aussies, especially Rosemount.
I second the Rosemount recommendation. Unlike the Professor, I’m not a wine guru - a goo, maybe. But I know that even the low priced Rosemount wines have been good, everyday wines. The Shiraz/Cabernet blend is good with grilled steaks.
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Professor,
I read your comments over at Radioblogger.com and had hoped I could ask you a question.
I really like Shiraz but have only been able to find ones I like in restaurants. Then I forget what it was called or can’t think of the name, or its just too expensive to go buying whole bottles.
Do you have any suggestions of affordable California Syrah wines that I could purchase in the grocery (Or at Costco, etc) that also taste good?
Thanks in advance for any advice.