Wine Recommendation
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Wine Recommendation

Wine:South Coast Winery 2003 Syrah, Rolling Hills Estate Vineyard (Temecula Valley)

South Coast Winery

2003 Syrah, Rolling Hills Estate Vineyard
(Temecula Valley)



With grapes grown in Temecula and in the South Coast appellation, Owner/Vintner Jim Carter, Master Winemaker Jon McPherson, and Winemaker Javier Flores turn out close to 50,000 cases per year under three labels, Elevation, South Coast Winery, and Wild Horse Peak Mountain. Jon McPherson, whose father, 'Doc' McPherson was instrumental in the growth of the Texas wine industry, led Culbertson (now Thornton Winery) to the recognition as "America's Most Honored Sparkling Wine Producer." Winemaker Javier Flores first worked in Mexico's LaCetto Winery.

This is a ripe, full-throttle, warm-origin Syrah. Bright and well saturated ruby in color, the wine is fairly viscous. On the nose, notes of ripe berries, and Bordeaux-like notes of cassis, currant, and plum, complement the sweet, toasty oak. Alcohol jumps out of the glass as well as the oak char but both are well-integrated on the smooth, round, Cabernet Sauvignon-like palate. Tannins are supple and ripe, and the wine is brambly and juicy with soft red fruits on the long finish. This would be delicious with a standing rib roast or an egg and cheese stuffed flank steak Braciole.

Reviewed January 16, 2007 by Catherine Fallis.

The Wine

Winery: South Coast Winery
Vineyard: Rolling Hills Estate Vineyard
Vintage: 2003
Wine: Syrah
Appellation: Temecula Valley
Grape: Syrah / Shiraz
Price: 750ml $24.00

Review Date: 1/16/2007

The Reviewer

Catherine Fallis

Founder and President of Planet Grape LLC, a company committed to bringing the joy of wine, food, and good living into the lives of everyday people, Catherine is creator of the “grape goddess guides to good living,” a series of books, television presentations, seminars, and e-learning programs. The fifth woman in the world to become a Master Sommelier, grape goddess Catherine Fallis is still very much down-to-earth.