Surh-Luchtel Cellars

Syrah from the Page Nord Vineyard is said to have a signature flavor of ripe blackberries, which is one reason partners and former college wine drinking buddies and roommates Don Surh and Gary Luchtel sought it out. The vineyard is within the Oak Knoll District, half way between Napa and Yountville at the southern end of the valley. Their hybrid philosophy aims at merging rich, ripe fruit with expression of origin -- not an easy task. They also take a modest approach towards pricing. Many Napa Syrahs are twice the $35 price tag, and are too oaky and too ripe, becoming metallic, or worse, fishy.

Brilliant with a panoply of vivid, deeply saturated colors ranging from crimson to magenta, violet to ruby, the wine is very viscous. On the nose, wild, almost Pinot Noir-like notes of sarsaparilla, rootbeer, and cherry cola come into play right alongside ripe blueberry, earth, mushroom, mulch pile, forest floor, mocha, and toast. This decadent fruit and earth bomb is full-bodied and structured, not loosey-goosey like so many of its brethren. Oak tannins reign in bright, juicy bursts of sweet, ripe fruit, and stand out on their own on the finish.

Reviewed June 11, 2007 by Catherine Fallis.