Marr Cellars

Although the powers that govern wine labeling disallowed Marr Cellars proprietor/winemaker Bob Marr the use of the location Tehama Foothills for this wine with two percent Yolo County Viognier blended in, you can call it a Tehama Country wine -- just like the folks near Red Bluff, California, might do.

Starting in the snowy Sierra Mountains to the east with a high elevation of 8,200 feet, Tehama Country is resplendent with contrasts as the region unfolds to rolling foothills and finally the fertile valley floor formed by the Sacramento River.

It's the foothills region that Alger Vineyards, at 2,500 feet elevation on the western reaches of Mount Lassen, calls home. Vines were established there in 1970 and older blocks of Syrah take to the well-drained, volcanic soils on arid slopes.

Sixteen months in 30 percent new French and American cooperage, has created a mellow wine that first attracts with aromas of dark berry and ripe plum aromas accented by smoky notes. A fruit-forward palate of black cherry and dark plum flavors, peaked by brown spices leads to a multi-layered, extended finish. A Moroccan tagine or grilled duck breasts with a fresh blackberry sauce will make this wine sing at your table.

Reviewed June 11, 2007 by Eleanor & Ray Heald.