North Coast Syrah Varietal/Style: Syrah Origin: Mendocino/Sonoma counties, CA Vintage: 1999 Winemaker: Fred Payne Rating: 14.5/20 Retail Price: $22

Tasting Notes: This wine grows on us as we taste it. It is a work in progress with evolving tweaks as new vineyards come on line (see below). A dark appearance of a deep purple jewel is complemented by lush, red fruit smells of raspberry and cherry. A full yet soft body combines with a pleasant mouthfeel to an even and progressively smooth finish accented by some spice. Definitely good balance and a fine treatment of wood aging (Date tasted: 08/24/02)

Profile: Here is a name for you: Michel-Schlumberger Benchland Wine Estate. Benchland describes the growing conditions at the vineyard. In the case of this vintage the Syrah fruit is from Mendocino until new planting comes on line back in Sonoma. Most of the juice is Syrah but a couple mystery varietals have been thrown in for special accent: Zinfandel around five percent with a hint of Viognier. This newer Rhône varietal wine has a limited production of 2,400 cases but complements the standard production of Bordeaux-style reds and Burgundy white produced so far.

Address:
4155 Wine Creek Rd.
City: Healsburg, CA
Phone: 800-447-3060/707-433-7427
Web site: www.michelschlumberger.com
E-mail: winebench@aol.com