My first Syrah in a very long time (Stolpman)

Deleted.

[David M. Bueker]

Nice to get back to normal for at least an evening, isn't it.

IMO Syrah is capable of producing some of the great wines of the world in suitable locations, namely N. Rhône and similar. If you were to apply your points vs price method to them, Richard, you might find them good bargains, provided that you avoid Guigal's LaLas, often overoaked in my very limited experience, and certain cult cuvées from Chapoutier and Chave. I'm not a fan of warmer climate Syrah, and especially Shiraz, except in blends and the Cloonakilla Shiraz/Viognier. Switzerland produces some very fine wines from Syrah in the upper Rhône valley and I think that New Zealand has the potential, if not always the will, to emulate them. I need to have much more experience of Californian examples before i can comment on where they fit into my preferred taste profile.

[Jenise]

Love Stolpman syrahs. I also highly recommend their Sauv Blanc, since you like that grape. I like it so much I order it winery-direct.

Many thanks for the messages. I do not score wines other than red Bdx. & Bdx. blends. Years ago, when I drank a lot of Burgundy and Rhone wines, I usually loved Cote-Rotie. Back then I liked Guigal wines, even the more humble ones.

Back then I liked Guigal wines, even the more humble ones.

I particularly like the humble ones. Their generic Côtes du Rhône is one of the best.

[Jenise]

Tim, I picked up a bottle of the '15, which I liked on release more than most of the recent CdRs (which have been very inconsistent in the past 20 years vs. the 90's models I fell in love with), last week while staying in Montana. Really terrific, aging beautifully in the bottle just like they used to.