Winemaker Notes
The 2003 Shiraz is an Australian-styled red wine with a distinct spicy nose with hints of pepper and dark rich fruit. Unlike its cousin, Syrah, Shiraz is sweeter with bolder upfront fruit flavors of currant and plums with a white pepper undertone. Full-bodied with a smoky quality, this wine lingers in your mouth dancing on your taste buds.
Shiraz is a wonderful food-friendly wine that goes well with Ethnic cuisine and traditional favorites. If you're in the mood for some Cajun cuisine, try it with jambalaya or a pan-blackened steak. Mild curry, tandori chicken or barbequed pork ribs taste sumptuous with this red. And for a casual evening, try it with pepperoni pizza or meat-filled ravioli with a spicy marinara sauce.
California is a winemaking colossus; by itself it is the fourth largest producer in the world. Red wine accounts for 56% of the total by volume, and red grapes 63% of total acres planted. In addition, a number of California red wines are heralded as being among the most prestigious and sought-after wines in the world.
While the state’s incredibly diverse geography, soils and microclimates allow for a wide array of styles, the key factor unifying California red wine is the abundance of sunshine and a long, consistent growing season. This leads to well-developed fruit marked both by impressive ripeness and balancing acidity.
The state’s most famous red wine region, of course, is Napa Valley, where Cabernet Sauvignon reigns as king. But California boasts a wealth of other impressive appellations. The much larger and climatically varied Sonoma County also produces world class California Cabernet, along with wonderful examples of California Pinot Noir and Zinfandel.
Fine versions of Cabernet and Zinfandel hail from Paso Robles as well, which is also gaining fame with Rhone varietals like Syrah and Grenache. As for Pinot Noir, terrific examples can be found from AVA’s such as Anderson Valley, Carneros, Santa Lucia Highlands and Sta. Rita Hills. Wineries in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo Counties are making wonderful Syrahs, and the Sierra Foothill appellations are proving to be an experimental hotbed, with Italian and Spanish varietals employed to great effect.
This of course is a mere sketch. The subject of California red wine is as deep and broad as an ocean, and absolutely a joy to explore!