I discovered this classic, ripe Syrah while shopping for a free-range turkey at Grande Foods. It’s a special wine made specifically to help support SLO Symphony music education. The label was designed by a student in the youth symphony, and the bottling was provided by many contributors. The wine, grown at Margarita Vineyard, was donated by Ancient Peaks, whose winemaking team of Mike Sinor and Stewart Cameron created the cuvee. It’s 90 percent Syrah, with five percent each Petite Sirah and Petit Verdot. The ripe blackberry and spice flavors are big and jammy, nicely balanced by notes of tangy plums, leather, and earth. It’s a good choice with equally bold dishes like leg of lamb and roast venison, and enjoyable on its own. You can help support the SLO Symphony, too, by picking up a bottle at Grande Foods in Arroyo Grande, only $21.50 retail.
This article appears in Dec 9-16, 2010.