Ravenswood Sonoma County Syrah 2005

A lovely shade of purple with a reddish hue is the inviting introduction to the complex, smoky, jammy, red current, and boysenberry scents, which are classic for the Syrah grape variety. The flavors are brightened and enhanced by small additions of Mourvedre and Grenache, which add a fresh, bright quality with hints of white pepper, anise, and cloves. The Viognier is a white grape co-fermented with the Syrah and adds an ethereal, slightly floral perfume to the already complex bouquet. Traces of spicy French oak linger in the finish of this Rhone-style wine. The long, occasionally rather warm growing season of the 2005 vintage assured the late ripening Rhone-style grapes would be completely mature and flavorful. This Syrah has the style of a good, northern Rhone combined with the forwardness and panache that is California. Consume now or anytime in the next seven years.

Blend: 87% Syrah, 5% Grenache, 5% Carignane, 3% Viognier