WTN: Paging Eric Asimov

[Jenise]

Remembering the article in which he concluded, based on a spate of relatively poor choices, that Washington Syrah hasn't evolved much, I'd love to pour Eric a glass of a wine I tasted yesterday. In fact, I'd love to have a whole glass of it myself--this was just a Coravin taste in the back room at a local wine shop. But I tasted enough of the 2016 Kevin White 'En Hommage' Syrah to reognize a game changer. The name suggests the goal is an American Hermitage but to my tastes, at this stage at any rate, it shows more like Cote Rotie with a little burnt rubber chasing admirably restrained new world fruit. And get this: only $30. It drinks like a LOT more.

[David M. Bueker]

Straight Syrah or adding a little Viognier?

100% Syrah. I have had a few wins from this winery, but not the "En Hommage" so I will have to hunt it down!

I did not read the article but I would disagree. For my tastes Oregon/Washington Syrah is my favorite American made wine! I love Oregon Pinot Noir too, but Syrah from the rocks is so unique and delicious...

[Jenise]

100% Syrah. I have had a few wins from this winery, but not the "En Hommage" so I will have to hunt it down!

I did not read the article but I would disagree. For my tastes Oregon/Washington Syrah is my favorite American made wine! I love Oregon Pinot Noir too, but Syrah from the rocks is so unique and delicious...

So agreed on Rocks syrah. But IIRC Asimov's article only had one from this precious area, a Reynvaan, and it was one of the few in their tasting they didn't appear to struggle to say nice things about. (I've got a cellar full of Reynvaan.)

[David M. Bueker]

Syrah from the Sonoma Coast is the thing for me. The true Sonoma Coast.

[Jenise]

Is there a fake Sonoma Coast? I haven't had too many from there that I recall. Maybe the Ramey I ordered at dinner in Kona one night that was way too young. I believe most of the Cal syrahs I've had have been from further south: Arcadian, Stolpman, Tensley etc.

[David M. Bueker]

Sonoma Coast is a huge AVA that stretches too far inland in many parts.

I'd be curious what producers or vineyards to look for from Sonoma Coast? I've had some of the Wind Gap, which I was a big fan of, but not sure which other producers are out on the true coast...

[David M. Bueker]

Arnot-Roberts is another notable one.

Syrah from the Sonoma Coast is the thing for me. The true Sonoma Coast.

I like Arnot -Roberts, but the thing for me keeps changing Sonoma County (but inland-Durell), SLO county (Bassetti), and El Dorado (Wylie, Fenaughty, Barsotti)

[Jenise]

I'd be curious what producers or vineyards to look for from Sonoma Coast? I've had some of the Wind Gap, which I was a big fan of, but not sure which other producers are out on the true coast...

I just picked up some Wind Gap at auction; they're not here yet, so I've not tasted yet but the day's coming! Also bought some DuMol, which I think are Russian River.