FYI... I have never had a California Syrah I really enjoyed. Nor have I
ever really enjoyed a Aus Shiraz.

Therefore my experience with Syrah is limited. I have had several JL Chave
Hermitage 96 and some 98 vintages. Those are my benchmarks.

I really enjoy the older world style vs new world. That said I had some
wonderful Syrah from Walla Walla this summer at a variety of wineries while
in Walla Walla. Most typified old world style.

FYI

Dick




"Ric" > wrote in message
m...
> St Joseph wines are, IMHO, highly under-rated. The problem lies in the
> variance in quality. The St. Joseph appelation encompasses a vast region,
> most known for the vineyards right across the Rhone from Tain Hermitage,
> but extending way north and west. And the wines are as divers as the
> region. We've found a number of really nice St. Joseph's - and all are at
> great prices, I think simply because of the reputation of the appelation.
> I don't think we've tried the 'Offerus' cuvee - but wll certainly look for
> it now that i've read yours and Joe's comments - thanks!
>
>
> "Richard Neidich" > wrote in message
> ink.net...
>> Today my wife, and 18 year son and self went to see a movie called "The
>> Illusionist". Great Movie...highly recommend...no this is not stealth
>> marketing.
>>
>> After the movie we went to the Dean and Deluca Wine bar and did a couple
>> 2 oz tasting pours with a charcuterie plate of salami, cheese, pate,
>> mustards, black olive tapinade and rustic breads.
>>
>> My wife started with a Miner Merlot followed by a Worthy Cab.
>> I had a Mt Eden Pinot Noir Santa cruz followed by a JL Chave Saint Josept
>> Offerus 2003.
>>
>> This Chave was outstanding and I plan to aquire a case.
>>
>> From what I gather it is either all Syrah or mostly all Syrah. Very
>> elegant wine. Great flavor. Seemed like a good food wine. Rhone.
>>
>> These wines rarely have been seen in Charlotte. Glad to have tried
>> tonight. Earthy, complex, integrated dry tannin...long finish but
>> flavorful from beginning to end.
>>
>> Amazing PQR..would be about $25-30 at retail.
>>
>>
>
>