Arrowood Saralee's Vineyard Syrah 2002

Arrowood considers their Saralee's Vineyard Syrah the "Grande Dame" of their Syrah portfolio. Not only is it the first Syrah Arrowood produced, but it also comes from one of Sonoma County's "Grande Dame" vineyards. Saralee's Vineyard, located in the cool-climate Russian River Valley, has a reputation for producing some of California's finest fruit and with the 2002 Saralee's Vineyard Syrah it's easy to see why. In fact, Robert Parker calls this one of the greatest Syrahs that Arrowood has ever produced.

"The 2002 Syrah Saralee's Vineyard, which includes 3% Viognier in the blend, is one of the greatest Syrahs Arrowood has produced. Dick Arrowood has always been ahead of the educational curve with northern California Syrah, and this is a fabulous effort. Inky/purple-colored, with a glorious perfume of lilacs intermixed with blackberries, melted asphalt, and notions of bacon, smoke, and toast, this rich, opulent, voluptuously-textured Syrah exhibits great ripeness, purity, and richness as well as a layered, multidimensional finish. It should last and evolve for a decade."
Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate
Barrel Sample: 93-96 Points

1. Glaetzer Wallace Shiraz/Grenache 2006
2. Guigal Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2003
3. Arrowood Saralee's Vineyard Syrah 2002

1. Arrowood Saralee's Vineyard Syrah 2002
2. Penfolds RWT Shiraz 2004

1. Ch. Talbot Saint-Julien 2003
2. Bodegas Castano Solanera 2004
3. Penfolds Koonunga Hill Shiraz-Cabernet 2006